Manipur Tribal Groups Call Off Highway Shutdowns After Counter-Bandh
In a significant development in Manipur's tribal regions, the Kangpokpi-based Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has suspended its 24-hour total shutdown along Asian Highway-02 and National Highway-37. The shutdown, which began earlier this week, was called off from Tuesday midnight following a counter-bandh imposed by the Naga People's Organisation (NPO) on Wednesday.
Background of the Shutdown
CoTU had initiated the shutdown to protest what it described as the government's inaction in apprehending members of the ZUF-S Kamson group. This group stands accused of torching houses at K Songlung (Part-II) village in Kangpokpi district on Monday. The tribal committee expressed frustration over the perceived lack of law enforcement response to the incident.
CoTU's Decision to Suspend Agitation
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, CoTU announced its decision to reconsider and suspend the agitation. The committee extended gratitude to the public, church leaders, and various civil society organizations for their support during the protest period.
The statement clarified that this decision aligns with resolutions from both the United Naga Council and the Kuki Inpi Manipur, emphasizing their commitment to fostering cordial relations between the two tribal communities. This move represents a strategic shift toward dialogue and reconciliation rather than continued confrontation.
NPO's Counter-Bandh and Criticism
The Naga People's Organisation responded to CoTU's shutdown by imposing its own counter-bandh on Wednesday, citing serious concerns about how the original protest was being enforced. The NPO strongly criticized what it called violations of humanitarian and democratic norms during CoTU's agitation.
The organization highlighted several specific grievances:
- Failure to provide humanitarian exemptions for essential travel and medical emergencies
- Severe hardship imposed on the general public
- Targeted harassment of innocent civilians, particularly those from Senapati district who constitute nearly 99% of commuters on NH-02
- Significant financial, professional, and personal losses suffered by individuals who missed flights and important appointments
Lifting of Counter-Agitation
After imposing its counter-bandh, the NPO later announced the lifting of its agitation in the afternoon of the same day. The organization stated this decision was made "on humanitarian grounds and in the larger interest of social harmony and public peace."
The NPO explained that repeated appeals for humanitarian exemptions during CoTU's shutdown had been ignored, compelling them to launch their counter-agitation to safeguard public rights, safety, and dignity. Their eventual decision to lift the protest reflects a similar commitment to de-escalation and community welfare.
Broader Implications
This series of events highlights the complex tribal dynamics in Manipur and the delicate balance between protest rights and public welfare. The rapid escalation and subsequent de-escalation within a single day demonstrate how quickly tensions can flare and subside in the region.
The involvement of multiple tribal organizations – CoTU, NPO, United Naga Council, and Kuki Inpi Manipur – underscores the interconnected nature of tribal politics in Manipur. Their coordinated decisions to suspend agitations suggest a recognition of the need for inter-community dialogue and cooperation.
This development also raises questions about protest methodologies and the responsibility of organizing bodies to consider humanitarian concerns even while pursuing legitimate grievances. The contrasting approaches of the two organizations – one initiating a shutdown and the other responding with a counter-bandh – illustrates different perspectives on effective protest strategies.
