The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has called for a three-day economic blockade across Kangpokpi District beginning midnight of September 22 in protest against the ambush at Nambol Sabal Leikai in Bishnupur District that killed two Assam Rifles personnel and left five others critically injured. The blockade will continue until midnight of September 25. The September 19 attack, allegedly carried out by valley-based insurgent groups, has triggered outrage across Manipur, particularly in Sadar Hills. On Sunday evening, hundreds of residents gathered at Kangpokpi District headquarters for a candlelight vigil under the theme, “The People of Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District Stand United with Our Indian Soldiers — Proud to Be Indian.” Participants paid homage to the slain jawans and expressed solidarity with the injured. The ambush occurred just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manipur and close to the anniversary of the Manipur Merger Agreement, a politically sensitive date in the state’s history. The National Revolutionary Front of Manipur had earlier announced a shutdown on September 21 to oppose the merger, adding to the tense political backdrop.
CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen strongly criticised the authorities for failing to make arrests even two days after the deadly ambush. “This is a matter of grave national security concern. The inaction of the authorities not only undermines constitutional validity under President’s Rule but also poses a direct threat to the Indian Union itself,” Kipgen said. Kipgen further linked the ambush to the Free Movement Regime along the India-Myanmar border, a policy that allows cross-border movement within 16 km on either side. He reiterated that the Kuki-Zo community had rejected the policy, citing security risks. “When even the Centre’s own forces are not spared by secessionist groups, what guarantee do the Kuki-Zo have for their safety?” he asked. While valley insurgent groups have not publicly claimed responsibility, security analysts suggest that the incident reflects the continuing challenges posed by insurgency in Manipur, where peace remains fragile despite ongoing Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with tribal groups.
Kipgen emphasised that the Kuki-Zo community continues to honour the SoO agreement, even in the face of provocations. He insisted that CoTU’s long-standing demand for a separate administration under Article 239A of the Constitution remains the only viable path toward lasting peace and stability in the region.“The brutal ambush proves that the present governance structure cannot guarantee safety for our people. Separate administration is no longer just a demand but a necessity,” he said.
