A tribal body in Manipur on Monday reimposed an indefinite blockade on two national highways in Kangpokpi district, demanding adequate supplies of essential commodities to Kuki-Zo communities in hilly areas of the state. Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) Sadar Hills Kangpokpi began the blockade on NH 2, which connects Imphal with Nagaland’s Dimapur, and NH 37, which links Imphal with Assam’s Silchar.
“Volunteers of the tribal body were seen coming out on the streets at a few places in Kangpokpi district to enforce the blockade and prevent the movement of vehicles,” an official said. On August 17, COTU secretary Lamminlun Singsit said, “Highway blockades would be reimposed on NH 2 (Imphal-Dimapur) and NH 37 (Imphal-Silchar) if the supplies of essential commodities to Kuki Zo communities in the hill areas of the state are not ensured”.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Police said on Sunday that the movement of 163 vehicles with essential items on NH 2 has been ensured. “Strict security measures have been taken up in all vulnerable locations, and a security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles,” the police said. Another tribal organisation, the Kuki Zo Defence Force, also warned that it would impose blockades from August 26 onwards if supplies of essential goods and medicines to Kuki Zo-inhabited areas were not ensured.
Manipur assembly session not held
Despite the Manipur cabinet recommending Governor Anusuiya Uikey convene an assembly session on August 21, the House did not sit on Monday as “no notification” has been issued by Raj Bhavan so far, officials said, creating a dilemma of sorts. “For a normal assembly session, a notification has to be issued 15 days before the beginning of it. No such notification has so far been issued by the governor’s office,” an official said. “The state cabinet has recommended to the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur summoning the 4th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 21, 2023,” an official statement said on August 4.
