KANGPOKPI, Nov 29: The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), has condemned the recent abduction of an employee of the Military Engineering Services (MES) from the Army cantonment in Leimakhong. While expressing full support for the ongoing search and rescue operations by the concerned authorities, COTU has criticized the imposition of road restrictions in the area, describing them as unnecessary and regrettable.
In a press communique issued on November 28, COTU stated that the restrictions on road routes in the vicinity of the incident have created significant inconvenience.
The committee pointed out the ongoing demographic and geographical divide in Manipur between the Kuki-Zo community, residing in the hills, and the Meitei community, concentrated in the Imphal valley.
“Since May 3 of last year, the Kuki-Zo community have been evicted from the valley Imphal by the majoritarian Meitei community. There has been a complete demographic and geographical divide between the two warring communities, the Kuki-Zo in the Hills, and the Meitei community in the valley region. The Kuki-Zo cannot pass through Imphal valley as much as the Meitei cannot pass through the hill areas,” the statement read.
In light of these tensions, COTU emphasized the necessity of security protection for road connectivity between the hill areas, given the risk of attacks or ambushes by valley-based Meitei militants. It criticized the restrictions imposed by the Army on the roads in response to the recent abduction, arguing that such measures exacerbate challenges for the hill communities.
To protest against what it called undue restrictions on hill road routes, COTU announced a 12-hour total shutdown across the region. The shutdown will be observed on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
COTU reserved its right to have unrestricted road connectivity in the hill areas and reiterated its demand for adequate security to prevent attacks. It also urged the authorities to balance security measures with the convenience and safety of the hill communities.
