Ukhrul, Jan 2: Citing the Government’s persistent indifference to their repeated appeals for the withdrawal of central forces from Saibol, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District has announced a 12-h0ur total shutdown across the region, effective from 2:00 PM on January 2, 2025. The shutdown is in addition to the indefinite economic blockade imposed along National Highway 2.
The 12-hour shutdown will encompass all vehicular movement, commercial establishments, educational institutions, and government offices within the affected regions. Essential services such as healthcare and emergency responses will, however, be exempted from the shutdown to ensure humanitarian considerations.
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The CoTU said that the presence of central forces in Saibol constituted grave disregard for the voices of their people and undermined peace. “The presence of central forces in Saibol, despite widespread concerns from the tribal populace, symbolizes a grave disregard for the voices of our people. This deployment has disrupted the everyday lives of civilians and created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust, undermining the peace and harmony of our communities,” their official statement read.
The CoTU alleged that despite their numerous peaceful appeals and requests for dialogue, the government had failed to take meaningful action and warned that such indifference could not and would not be tolerated.
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Reiterating its core demands which are the immediate withdrawal of central forces presently posted in Saibol and constructive dialogue to address the root causes of their grievances to ensure long-lasting peace in the region, it said that the intensification of their protest was not an act of defiance but a desperate call for justice and recognition. “The ongoing economic blockade and the upcoming shutdown are reflective of the profound frustration and helplessness felt by the tribal communities due to the government’s inaction,” it added.
The CoTU further called upon the public to stand in solidarity with their cause and urged the government to engage with them in resolving the impasse. “Let it be known that CoTU is committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of the tribal populace, and we will not relent until justice is served,” their statement read.
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