Correspondent
IMPHAL, NOV 6 (NPN): The extended total shutdown in Manipur’s Kangpokpi that forced to strand hundreds of Imphal-bound vehicles along NH-2 on Senapati side for days was on Friday temporary suspended. Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, the Kangpokpi based CSO which imposed the shutdown announced the temporary suspension of the shutdown for seven days, in a statement.
CoTU had imposed total shutdown across Kangpokpi district over the abduction of two Kuki youths by unknown miscreants in Senapati district on October 28. Initially, it imposed for a 24-hour effective from 5pm of October 29 demanding for the safe and unharmed release of the two abducted youths. It was extended for another 48 hours, citing the government’s alleged failure to take decisive action and ensure justice for the two murdered youths. However, following the deaths of the two abducted youths, the shutdown was extended by another 24 hours citing the government’s alleged inaction and failure to initiate concrete steps against those responsible for the killings would no longer be tolerated.
In the meantime, the CoTU leadership and the state government representatives held talks on Thursday on the demands raised by the CSO but the talks were inconclusive.
After the talk, the CoTU had warned to intensify its course of action if the government fails to arrive at an acceptable and honourable resolution before the shutdown expires at 5 pm on November 6 (today).
However, just before the end of the shutdown, the CoTU announced its decision to temporarily suspend the shutdown for seven days.
“In view of the partial fulfilment of certain demands and the government of Manipur’s expressed commitment to addressing the outstanding demands submitted by COTU, it has been resolved to temporarily suspend the ongoing shutdown for a period of seven days,” the CoTU, in a public notice. “However, should the government fail to honour its assurances and fulfill the outstanding demands within the stipulated seven-day period, public agitation, including the total shutdown, shall be reinstated with renewed intensity,” the notification further read.
A reliable source said that the CoTU has also resolved not to claim the mortal remains of the two slain youths, currently lying at RIMS morgue, Imphal, until its charter of demands is addressed by the government.