Imphal: The Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTCM) has withdrawn its call for a total shutdown along National Highway-37 (NH-37) and against Central Government projects following the release of five Naga women who were arrested earlier.

In a statement issued on September 12, the JTCM said the shutdown had been withdrawn with immediate effect following the release of Rose Kamei, Stella Thaimei, Khamsinliu Phaomei, Kumtharla Kamei and Ellen Kamei. The council thanked the Naga communities, including the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme communities, for maintaining unity and discipline during the shutdown.

However, the JTCM said the intensified economic blockade called by the United Naga Council (UNC) would continue. It maintained that the release of the five women had not resolved the larger issues raised by the Naga people.The council appealed to the public to extend support to the ongoing UNC blockade. It also reiterated its demand for justice and accountability in connection with the six Naga youths whose bodies were allegedly murdered and mutilated.

The JTCM urged people to remain calm, disciplined and united while continuing their peaceful democratic struggle for justice and the protection of their rights.