CoTU Suspends 24-hr Bandh; NPO And JTSA Flag People Hardship

UKHRUL: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) on Wednesday announced the suspension of the 24-hour total shutdown imposed along Asian Highway-2 (AH-2) and National Highway-37 (NH-37), a day after the bandh was enforced, citing assurances from the concerned authorities and evolving ground realities.

The shutdown, which began at midnight on January 27, was imposed in protest against the government’s failure to arrest those responsible for the arson of K. Songlung Village (Part II), allegedly carried out by the ZUF-S Kamson group on Republic Day.

Even before CoTU decided to suspend the bandh, strong opposition had emerged from several Naga civil bodies.The Naga People’s Organization (NPO) along with the Joint Tribe Student’s Association (JTSA) had both issued statements against the continuation of the bandh imposed by CoTU.

According to NPO, the ongoing bandh had “severely disrupted the movement of Naga people, particularly those travelling for medical treatment and flight-related purposes, resulting in immense suffering to the general public.”

JTSA also raised concerns over the bandh along the NH-37 stretch causing disturbances to traffic and vehicular movement.  Reiterating its stand against bandh or blockade along NH-37 since May 3^rd 2023, the JTSA appealed to the Governemnt of Manipur and security forces to ensure no further disturbances along NH-37.

NPO called for an immediate counter-bandh to ensure the safety, dignity and free movement of the public while JTSA also cautioned those involved in the bandh to “immediately cease their actions, lest they face consequences.”

ALSO READ: No Village Burnt, Says FNCC; Rejects Kuki CSOs Claims of Arson at K Songlung

In its press communique issued on Wednesday, CoTU thanked the general public, church leaders, and civil organisations for supporting the shutdown. After detailed deliberations, the committee resolved to reconsider and subsequently suspend the bandh with immediate effect.

CoTU also said it had deliberated on the joint declaration issued by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) at Kangpokpi on January 27, which called for amicable dialogue. The committee unanimously resolved to uphold the decision taken by the two apex tribal bodies to promote cordial relations between the two communities.