Manipur tribal body withdraws highway shutdown in interest of peace; Naga group calls counter bandh

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) on January 28, withdrew its 24-hour total shutdown along Asian Highway-2 (Imphal–Dimapur) and National Highway-37 (Imphal–Jiribam), citing the larger interest of peace and inter-tribal harmony.

The shutdown, which began at midnight on January 27, was called to protest the alleged failure of the Manipur government to arrest those involved in the Republic Day arson attack at K Songlung Village, Part-II.

Announcing the decision, CoTU said the withdrawal followed internal deliberations and consultations with various stakeholders, as well as a joint declaration issued by the United Naga Council (UNC) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) at Kangpokpi on January 27.

The declaration appealed for dialogue and constructive engagement between communities to prevent further escalation of tensions.
CoTU said it unanimously decided to stand by the UNC–KIM peace initiative, describing it as a crucial step towards strengthening inter-community relations. The shutdown, originally scheduled to continue until midnight of January 28, was withdrawn with immediate effect.

Earlier in the day, women volunteers were seen enforcing the shutdown in parts of Kangpokpi town and Gamgiphai, resulting in the suspension of vehicular movement and the closure of markets, educational institutions and other routine activities.

Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) announced a counter bandh later in the afternoon, alleging that the CoTU shutdown had caused severe inconvenience and hardship to Naga commuters, adding a fresh dimension to the evolving situation.