INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
GUWAHATI: The United Peoples' Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO), two Kuki umbrella organisations, have decided to remove
roadblocks on National Highway 2 in Manipur's Kangpokpi district.In a joint statement, the organisations, which represent former militant
groups that have signed agreements with the government to suspend their operations, announced the immediate lifting of the highway
blockade.The action follows an appeal made by Union home minister Amit Shah, who expressed his deep concern regarding the restoration of
peace and harmony in the state.It's important to note that the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), a Kuki civil society group that initiated a
roadblock on NH-2 two months ago, has not yet officially withdrawn their protest.Manipur has two national highways: NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur)
and NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam)
The Kuki organisations had been blocking NH-2 since the outbreak of violence in Manipur on May 3
However, the highway was temporarily opened after Shah's visit in late May.The decision to lift the blockade comes following a recent
meeting of the UPF, KNO and other Kuki groups with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati, sources close to the development
"The decision was taken after wide-ranging consultations with civil society organisations, village chiefs and women leaders on several
occasions," the joint statement said
More than 100 people have so far lost their lives in ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur
Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley
Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts
"The Kuki Zo organisations had earlier met the home minister and appealed to him to provide security in the vulnerable villages in the
bordering and foothill areas
We appreciate that central forces have been deployed in most of these areas as assured, and the process is in progress," UPF and KNO said
Once the deployment of central forces is complete in all vulnerable areas, the Kuki groups will withdraw their "volunteers" from those
places to help restore peace and tranquility, the statement said
"We also take this opportunity to appeal to all peace-loving organisations and citizens in the state of Manipur to reciprocate our gesture
and take steps towards peace and communal harmony in the state," it added.(With inputs from PTI)WatchManipur CM Biren inspects on-ground
situation at hills adjoining Bishnupur-Churachandpur
