Correspondent
IMPHAL, JUN 2: The Joint Tribes’ Council Manipur (JTCM) on Tuesday lifted the indefinite “emergency shutdown” imposed in Zeliangrong Naga-dominated areas of Manipur, hours after it came into effect.
JTCM, a joint body of the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme tribes, had called the shutdown in protest against the proposed release of 14 Kuki detainees held by Naga armed groups and to press for the safe return of six Naga men allegedly abducted by Kuki militants on May 13.
In a statement issued by its media and publicity wing, JTCM announced that the shutdown across the Zeliangrongpui region had been lifted with immediate effect. While not citing any specific development behind the decision, the council thanked the people for their “unwavering solidarity, discipline and full participation” during the agitation. “Your collective resolve compelled justice to prevail,” the statement said.
At the same time, JTCM cautioned that it would continue to closely monitor developments regarding the six abducted Naga civilians and warned that it reserved the right to reimpose the shutdown or adopt further measures if they were not released safely and immediately.
Earlier in the day, normal life was disrupted across Zeliangrong-inhabited areas, particularly in Noney and Tamenglong districts, as the shutdown affected movement along the Imphal–Jiribam stretch of National Highway-37. Most vehicles stayed off the roads, while shops, banks, business establishments and fuel stations remained closed.
Bandh supporters also blocked roads in several areas. Reports said more than 250 loaded vehicles, including oil tankers, were stranded between Leingangpokpi police outpost and Jiribam along NH-37 due to the shutdown.
Meanwhile, residents of Namdilong (Naga) village in Imphal West district continued their protest demanding the safe release of six Liangmai Naga men allegedly abducted from Leilon village on May 13.
The protesters staged demonstrations along the Imphal–Dimapur stretch of National Highway-102, checking passing vehicles and disrupting traffic movement. Women from both the Zeliangrong and Meitei communities also joined the protest in support of the demand.
Protesters asserted that they would continue their agitation until the six missing individuals were safely released.