Correspondent
IMPHAL, JUL 30 (NPN): The emergency shutdown imposed across Naga‑inhabited areas of Manipur in protest against the killing of a Naga Village Guard in Noney district was lifted on Thursday afternoon.
The Working Committee of Joint Tribe Council Manipur (WC‑JTCM), apex body of the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme tribes, had enforced the shutdown after a gunfight between Naga Village Guard (NVG) members and personnel of the CRPF’s CoBRA unit at Bitiang (Laphok) village on Wednesday, which left one NVG member dead and five others injured, including two CoBRA personnel.
While the shutdown has been withdrawn, the economic blockade under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) will continue across all Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme territories until further notice. WC‑JTCM warned that failure of the authorities to deliver justice for the six Nagas killed earlier could lead to intensification of the blockade and re‑imposition of shutdown.
The Committee alleged that despite repeated appeals, no meaningful investigation has been initiated and the perpetrators remain at large. It said this persistent apathy has deepened the anguish of bereaved families and shaken the collective conscience of the Naga community.
WC‑JTCM expressed regret for hardships caused during the shutdown and appreciated the support of area coordination committees, describing the protest as a necessary stand for justice. It reiterated demands for impartial investigation, prosecution of perpetrators and fair compensation for families of victims.
Normal life had been severely affected in Noney, Tamenglong and parts of Kangpokpi districts during the shutdown, with vehicular movement along the Imphal–Jiribam highway disrupted and trucks stranded at several points.
Meanwhile, the last rites of the deceased village guard, Lanbimei Riamei (22), were held at Longmai Part‑III Church Community Hall, Noney, attended by mourners, community leaders and local residents.