CoTU Declares 12-Hour Shutdown in Manipur Amid Growing Unrest Over Central Forces’ Deployment in Saibol

Earlier, the CoTU threatened to launch an indefinite economic blockade along NH-2 if their demands were not met

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has declared a 12-hour total shutdown in Manipur, starting today at 2:00 PM, in protest against the Government’s inaction to withdraw central security forces from the Saibol area.

The shutdown will last until 2:00 AM on January 3, 2025, escalating the ongoing indefinite economic blockade along National Highway-2 (NH-2), a crucial route for the state’s economy.

The presence of central forces in Saibol has sparked sharp criticism from tribal communities, who view it as a violation of their rights and autonomy.

CoTU leaders argue that the deployment has not only disrupted daily life but created a climate of fear and mistrust, further destabilizing the region.

“The presence of central forces in Saibol, despite widespread concerns from the tribal populace, symbolizes a grave disregard for the voices of our people. This deployment has not only disrupted the everyday lives of civilians but has also created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust, undermining the peace and harmony of our communities. Despite our numerous peaceful appeals and requests for dialogue, the government has failed to take meaningful action. Such indifference will not be tolerated,” said CoTU.

Impact of the Shutdown:
The 12-hour shutdown will bring the region to a standstill. All vehicular movement will be halted, business establishments will close, educational institutions will suspend classes, and government offices will cease operations. However, essential services, including healthcare and emergency services, will continue to function during the protest.

What is the underlying cause of the protest:

The unrest stems from accusations that security forces, including the BSF and CRPF, used excessive force against women protestors, leading to injuries to at least 15 individuals on December 29.

The incident occurred during a demonstration in Uyok Hills, where women from nearby villages demanded the removal of security force bunkers previously occupied by armed groups.

The protest followed a security operation, in which the Army, BSF, and CRPF cleared militants from the Saibol area and took control of strategic bunkers.

These bunkers, reportedly used by armed groups to launch attacks on villages like Sana Sabi, Thamnapokpi, and Yaingangpokpi, were taken over to maintain regional security.

However, locals said that the continued presence of security forces is exacerbating tensions.

As protests intensified, confrontations between demonstrators and security forces escalated, leading to the use of tear gas and smoke bombs to disperse crowds. The exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, but several women were injured in the clashes.

Fresh Violence in Manipur:
On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, heavy crossfire erupted between armed miscreants and security forces in the villages of Thamnapokpi, Yaingangpokpi, and Sabungkhok Khunou, located in Imphal East, near the Kangpokpi district border.

The night sky was lit up by automatic weapons fire and mortar flares, sending shockwaves through the community during what was supposed to be a festive time. Residents, gripped by panic, fled for safety as gunfire shattered the calm.

Just days later, on December 28, 2024, violence resurfaced in Imphal East, leaving at least 3 people injured as intense crossfire broke out again in villages including Sanasabi, Yaingangpokpi, Thamnapokpi, Sabungkhok Khunou, and Shanti Khongbal. The attacks, which originated from the surrounding hills, triggered mass evacuations by security forces, further escalating the situation.

Among the injured was Police Officer K. Haridash, who sustained a bullet wound to his left shoulder during an evacuation operation. A local volunteer also suffered minor injuries, and a journalist was wounded while covering the incident.

Although security forces managed to temporarily bring the situation under control, tensions remain high, with sporadic violence continuing to disrupt the already volatile region.

CoTU’s Escalating Protests:
This is not the first time CoTU has declared a shutdown in response to the presence of security forces. On December 31, 2024, the organization threatened to launch an indefinite economic blockade along NH-2, one of Manipur’s critical supply lines, if their demands for the immediate withdrawal of central forces were not met.

With no resolution in sight, CoTU has now intensified its demands with this 12-hour shutdown, adding to the mounting pressure on the government.

Manipur’s Ongoing Volatility:
For the past year and a half, Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and Kuki-Zo groups in the surrounding hills. The conflict, which began in May 2023, has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands. Despite efforts to mediate peace, the region remains deeply volatile, and violence continues to erupt periodically.

With CoTU ramping up its protests, the government is facing increasing pressure to de-escalate the growing unrest, address tribal grievances, and restore stability in the troubled state.

Also Read: India completes over 9 km fencing at Manipur’s Moreh along Myanmar border; road construction underway: MHA

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