Imphal: Three people were reportedly injured on Monday when security forces used tear gas shells and smoke grenades to disperse shutdown enforcers in Kangpokpi district, as the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) withdrew its indefinite shutdown on NH-2 and NH-37 following an understanding with govt authorities.CoTU, a Kuki-Zo body, had imposed the shutdown along the two national highways from 4pm on Sunday, in protest against continuing violence and alleged failure to ensure justice and security for the people. It condemned the alleged partisan and selective security operations in the Leimakhong-Kangchup area amid escalating tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities.The shutdown disrupted vehicular movement on the highways, with dozens of trucks stranded in the Keithelmanbi area of Imphal West along NH-37. Official sources said security personnel moved to clear the highway and restore traffic.Officials said security forces, comprising Manipur Police, CRPF and the Rapid Action Force, dispersed shutdown enforcers in the Thanglongmolbung village area, and that minimum force was used to bring the situation under control and reopen the highway.Meanwhile, CoTU, in a statement on Monday said, it decided to withdraw the shutdown after an understanding was reached with govt authorities, and upon the assurance and responsibility undertaken by Kangpokpi superintendent of police (SP).CoTU, however, said the withdrawal was subject to agreed terms and conditions. It stated the entire responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of Kuki-Zo villages and inhabitants within Kangpokpi district would rest solely with the SP. Consequently, village volunteers deployed for security purposes in the concerned areas would be withdrawn from such responsibilities, it added.“Any failure in maintaining security, occurrence of security lapses, attacks, arson, loss of life, destruction of property, or any untoward incident arising in Kuki-Zo villages henceforth shall be the sole responsibility of the SP of Kangpokpi district and the concerned central security forces,” the Kuki-Zo body said, adding the SP has agreed to ensure the safe and adequate transportation of essential commodities to all Kuki-Zo villages through adequate security escort arrangements.CoTU reiterated its demand for the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators involved in the killing of three pastors and 11 other Kuki-Zo civilians, as well as those responsible for burning and destroying Kuki-Zo homes and villages.
