Tribal organisation demands removal of illegal checkpoints in Manipur
Imphal: The Sadar Hills-based tribal organisation, Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), has condemned the recent bloodshed at Makui along the IT Road in BJP-ruled Manipur and warned that prolonged restrictions on the movement of essential supplies could further escalate tensions between tribal communities in the violence-hit region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the organisation said that villages inhabited by the Liangmei community, particularly Thonglang and Chawangkining, have emerged as “epicentres” of restrictions on the movement of essential food and medical supplies towards Kuki-Zo settlements in the Twilang area since May 13.
The organisation further said that civilian patients from the Twilang area had died after being unable to receive timely medical treatment due to restrictions affecting access to healthcare facilities at Chawangkining and Thonglang.
The committee urged the BJP regime to dismantle the “illegal checkpoints” at Chawangkining and Thonglang and ensure the unhindered movement of civilians, as well as essential food and medical supplies.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Peoples Party (MPP) staged a protest at its head office in Imphal, condemning the reported killing of four unarmed Naga civilians and the serious injury of another person in an attack along the Imphal-Tamenglong Road in Kangpokpi district. The party demanded immediate steps to ensure the safety of civilians and bring those responsible to justice.
During the protest, Indian police reportedly stopped MPP members at the gate of the party’s head office.
The MPP also questioned the accountability of Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, saying, “If you cannot protect Manipuris, resign.”
It called upon the Chief Minister and Home Minister to accept political and administrative responsibility, saying that their BJP regime has continued to fail to prevent killings, abductions and armed attacks.
