CoTU suspends bandh on NHs hours after NPO imposes counter-blockade

Tensions in parts of Manipur’s hill districts eased on Wednesday after total bandh on national highways by Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU was lifted hours after a counter-blockade bandh was imposed by Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) .
It may be recalled that tensions were running high in Kangpokpi district after the burning of some structures belonging to the Kuki tribe in Waphong area under Sadar Hills region of the district on January 26.
Kuki based CSOs claimed torching of K Songlung Part II village by armed cadres of ZUF(S Kamson). However, the armed faction rejected the claim, linking the arson incident to illicit poppy cultivation despite repeated warnings.
The controversy deepened when Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC described K Songlung as “an illegal self-style village”.
Amid the claims and counter-claims, the Kangpokpi based Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) imposed 24-hour total bandh on Wednesday, severely affecting normal vehicular movement along AH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur section and NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam section).
The CoTU imposed the bandh which commenced from last midnight in protest against the government’s inaction in arresting members of the ZUF-S Kamson group accused of setting K Songlung village.
Supporting the bandh, protesters came out and blocked vehicular movement along the national highways, causing severe inconvenience to the residents of Naga dominated Senapati district, particularly those commuters travelling to Imphal for medical treatment and flight-related purposes.
Terming the shutdown condemnable and irresponsible, the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) imposed a counter-blockade along the national highways with immediate effect which led to the escalation of the tension.
The organization alleged the imposition of the bandh reflected disregard for public welfare as the CoTU went ahead with its stir despite a joint appeal for restraint by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) earlier.
The NPO urged authorities to ensure the safety and free movement of the public and appealed to people to maintain discipline and unity during the period.
The escalating tension however showed signs of easing following CoTU’s reported announcement on the suspension of the bandh with immediate effect in the afternoon.
A statement of the CoTU widely circulated on the internet stated that it has decided to suspend the stir following a positive assurance from the concerned authorities. It, however, did not give further details.
In the statement, the CoTU also appreciated the support extended by the general public, church leaders and various civil organisations during the bandh.
The committee added that it decided to reconsider the stir after detailed discussions and deliberation with its stakeholders on the joint declaration issued by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) on January 27, calling for amicable dialogue. CoTU unanimously resolved to uphold the decision of the two tribal apex bodies in the interest of maintaining cordial relations between the two communities, and accordingly suspended the stir with immediate effect, it added.