Kangpokpi – The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District, has urgently called for the immediate reopening of the Gamgiphai Checkpoint on National Highway-2 following a disturbing incident on April 11.
The incident involved the suspected illegal transport of an individual concealed within a truckload of potatoes en route to Imphal.
The Committee expressed deep alarm and dismay regarding the event, which unfolded near the Keithelmanbi Military Colony. CoTU voiced serious concerns about what it perceives as an attempt to infiltrate Kuki-Zo territories amidst the prevailing ethnic tensions in the region. The concealed individual reportedly sustained injuries during the clandestine transit, an act the Committee views as a grave violation of territorial and community security.
While condemning the transport attempt, CoTU lauded the residents of Keithelmanbi for their compassionate response, highlighting their adherence to Kuki-Zo traditional wartime ethics that prioritize the safety and well-being of non-combatants, including women and children.
However, the Committee strongly criticized the act of transporting individuals across conflict zones in this manner, labeling it as a provocative move with the potential to reignite unrest. CoTU asserted that this incident could not be dismissed as isolated and warned of severe repercussions for any future attempts. “This may not be the first attempt—but it will be the last if we have our way,” the Committee declared in its statement.
Issuing a firm warning to transport unions, truckers, and relevant authorities operating along NH-2, CoTU emphasized that they would be held accountable for any future violations. The Committee urged all stakeholders to refrain from transporting individuals from opposing communities through Kuki-Zo areas to prevent potential violence and further escalation of hostilities.
The dismantling of the Gamgiphai Checkpoint by security forces had previously removed a crucial layer of surveillance. In response to the recent incident and the existing heightened tensions, exacerbated by the Kuki-Zo community’s strong opposition to the Government’s Free Movement policy, CoTU is now vehemently advocating for the immediate reinstatement of the checkpoint. The Committee stressed that round-the-clock inspections are now indispensable for preventing similar security breaches and safeguarding regional stability.
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