Manipur crisis: Kuki -Zo CSOs lift economic blockade on NH37 in Jiribam

Imphal: After a prolonged disruption, vehicle transportation on national highway 37, connecting Imphal to Silchar in Assam via Jiribam district of Manipur, resumed on Friday (June 21).

The blockade, which began on June 06, was lifted following successful negotiations between Manipur government officials and Kuki-Zo civil society organisations (CSOs).

The blockade, initiated by the Kuki-Zo civil society organisations (CSOs) of Jiribam and Tamenglong districts in Manipur, was called off after a joint public meeting.

Representatives from police in Tamenglong district of Manipur, Assam Rifles, and central reserve police force (CRPF) participated in the discussions that led to the resolution.

Key agreements were reached to ensure the safe and smooth movement of vehicles and essential commodities.

The terms of the agreement included:

1. Security Assurance: District Police of Tamenglong and Jiribam, along with other security forces, will guarantee the safe transit of essential goods and commercial vehicles to Kuki-Zo communities in Jiribam and Tamenglong. This includes medical supplies and other necessities.
2. Law Enforcement: Efforts will be intensified to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the abduction of Langgel Muangpu from Vengnom, Dibongkhunou, Jiribam.
3. Joint Security Checkpoints: A joint Naka checkpoint will be established near Phaitoul village, staffed by both central and state forces, to monitor and secure the area.
4. Combating Intimidation: Security forces are tasked with taking strict action against any radical elements or miscreants intimidating the public and commercial entities.

Signatories to the agreement from the Manipur government included Lamiyo Luikham, SP of Tamenglong district, Colonel Akash Kumar of Assam Rifles and Arun Kumar Singh from the 87th Battalion of CRPF, deployed in Jiribam.

Representing the Kuki-Zo community were Janginthang Singson, president of Kuki Inpi for the Jiribam, Tamenglong, and Noney districts, Boicy Singson, president of the Kuki Inpi Women’s Wing for the same districts, and Paominngam Haokpi, president of the Kuki Students Organization for Jiribam and Tamenglong districts of Manipur.