Guwahati: The Joint Tribes’ Council Manipur (JTCM) on Saturday withdrew its shutdown of National Highway 37 and all central govt-sponsored projects in areas under its jurisdiction following the release of five Naga women allegedly arrested by a CRPF CoBRA team.The council, however, said it would continue to support the economic blockade called by the United Naga Council (UNC).In a statement, the JTCM said the five women — Rose Kamei, Stella Thaimei, Khamsinliu Phaomei, Kumtharla Kamei and Ellen Kamei — had been released, following which it lifted its shutdown “immediately and effectively”.“The release of the five women does not resolve the broader, deep-rooted issues faced by the Naga people,” the council said. It added that the UNC’s economic blockade remained a key part of the Naga community’s democratic movement to press the Centre and state govts to address their concerns.The JTCM also said lifting its shutdown should not be construed as a withdrawal of its demand for justice over the killing and mutilation of six Naga men.The council urged its members to remain calm, disciplined and united as it continued what it described as a peaceful struggle for justice and protection of people’s rights.
