Kuki groups lift two-month blockade on NH-2 in Manipur

Militant outfits of Manipur on Sunday said they have lifted the two-month long blockade in Kangpokpi district along the crucial National Highway-2.

Issuing a joint statement, the United Peoples' Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO) said the blockade has been lifted with immediate effect following "deep concern to restore peace and harmony" by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

These organizations stated that the decision was taken after wide ranging consultations with Civil Society Organisations, 'village chiefs, youth and women leaders on several occasions.


The Kuki Zo organisations had earlier met the Union Home Minister and appealed him to provide security in the vulnerable villages in the bordering and foot hill areas. "We appreciate that central forces have been deployed in most of these areas as assured and the process is in progress. Once the deployment of Central Forces is completed in all vulnerable areas, we will ensure that our volunteers are withdrawn from these areas to help restore peace and tranquility.

It is expected that the concerned authorities will take every measure to maintain peace and ensure supply of essential commodities to the needy, particularly in the hill districts. 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."

Manipur police in a statement stated on Sunday unknown armed miscreants coming from adjoining hills fired at the village volunteers stationed at Khoijumantabi Hills, Bishnupur District. It is further reported that three local village volunteers were killed in the incident. Operation was launched by Police in the area and the armed miscreants were repelled.

Manipur police stated situation is tense in some places with sporadic incident of firing/congregation of unruly mob during the last 48 hours. However, situation was normal in most districts.

On saturday CRPF and Jiribam District Police conducted frisking & checking at Uchathol Village. During frisking and checking one person was detained and the following items were seized from his possession 0.722 kg of explosives suspected to be Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (AMNF), 5 mtres & 79 cms of Cordex wire and one Motorcycle.

About 118 Nakas/ Checkpoints are installed different Districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley and Police has detained 217 persons in connection with violations in different districts of the State. The checking at the nakas/checkpoints are intensified round the clock in order to prevent unwanted incidents.

In Manipur, during last 24 hours, three arms and six bombs have been recovered.