CoTU imposes indefinite blockade
|
Our Correspondent
KANGPOKPI, Dec 31: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has declared an indefinite economic blockade along NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway). The decision came after the Government failed to meet its deadline to withdraw Central forces from Saibol.
The blockade came into effect from 4 pm on December 31, halting all commercial traffic on NH-2.
Earlier today CoTU issued an ultimatum demanding removal of Central forces occupying Saibol village or face the consequences.
However, as the clock ticked past the deadline with no Government action, CoTU followed through with its threat.
The Kuki-Zo women held a peaceful protest demanding the removal of the armed forces from local community bunkers today but they were met with violent repression, alleged CoTU.
Security forces allegedly used tear gas and physical force against the unarmed protesters, leaving more than 50 women injured, three critically. This crackdown has sparked widespread outrage, drawing sharp condemnation from across the region.
The protesters alleged that the security forces used tear gas indiscriminately to disperse the unarmed women, many of whom were elderly and mothers. Protesters described the scene as one of panic and distress, with women coughing and struggling to breathe as tear gas filled the air.
In the midst of this turmoil, reports of physical assault have emerged. Several women claim they were shoved, dragged, and physically handled in a manner that left them bruised and shaken.
CoTU has made it clear that the blockade will remain in place until their demands are met.
KANGPOKPI, Dec 31: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has declared an indefinite economic blockade along NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway). The decision came after the Government failed to meet its deadline to withdraw Central forces from Saibol.
The blockade came into effect from 4 pm on December 31, halting all commercial traffic on NH-2.
Earlier today CoTU issued an ultimatum demanding removal of Central forces occupying Saibol village or face the consequences.
However, as the clock ticked past the deadline with no Government action, CoTU followed through with its threat.
The Kuki-Zo women held a peaceful protest demanding the removal of the armed forces from local community bunkers today but they were met with violent repression, alleged CoTU.
Security forces allegedly used tear gas and physical force against the unarmed protesters, leaving more than 50 women injured, three critically. This crackdown has sparked widespread outrage, drawing sharp condemnation from across the region.
The protesters alleged that the security forces used tear gas indiscriminately to disperse the unarmed women, many of whom were elderly and mothers. Protesters described the scene as one of panic and distress, with women coughing and struggling to breathe as tear gas filled the air.
In the midst of this turmoil, reports of physical assault have emerged. Several women claim they were shoved, dragged, and physically handled in a manner that left them bruised and shaken.
CoTU has made it clear that the blockade will remain in place until their demands are met.