GUWAHATI, Jan 5: Kuki-Zo body Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) lifted its ongoing economic blockade imposed on the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway 2 passing through Kangpokpi district of Manipur from 2am Sunday.
CoTU said the withdrawal was temporary and that it will launch stringent protests if the remaining Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) units are not withdrawn from Kuki-Zo community areas within 48 hours.
The suspension of the blockade and the 24-hour shutdown in Kangpokpi in Sadar Hills came into effect following an agreement with authorities regarding the deployment of the 112 CRPF Battalion to the Saibol region of Lhungtin Sub-Division, Kangpokpi District.
The economic blockade was imposed on January 2 in protest against what it said was alleged disregard for tribal rights and dignity by the state government and the Centre and seeking removal of central forces from the Uyok Hills.
Movement of vehicular and transportation of essential commodities passing through Kuki-Zo dominated areas were restricted during the blockade with hundreds of trucks stranded at Sekmai for the past 5-6 days following the economic blockade.
