Imphal: The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WC-KCSOs), Ukhrul, has announced a counter economic blockade on National Highway-202 from midnight of July 26, demanding the uninterrupted movement of essential commodities to Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the committee said the blockade would continue until the government takes concrete steps, not just gives assurances, to ensure the free movement of essential supplies. The protest comes in response to what it described as continued restrictions on the movement of Kuki-Zo people through Naga-dominated foothill regions.
The WC-KCSOs said the decision was taken only after months of unsuccessful efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue. It alleged that residents of Kuki-Zo villages in Ukhrul, Kamjong and Kangpokpi districts have been facing prolonged disruptions in the supply of essential goods while the authorities have failed to intervene effectively.
According to the committee, it had submitted memoranda, held meetings with officials and exercised restraint in the hope that the government would address the issue. However, it claimed that repeated assurances were not followed by any meaningful action.
Following consultations with Kuki-Zo civil society organisations from Ukhrul and Kangpokpi, the committee unanimously resolved at a meeting held on July 26 to enforce the blockade on NH-202.
The organisation clarified that medical emergencies, passenger vehicles, airport-bound travellers and security forces would be exempted from the blockade. However, all such vehicles will be inspected to ensure they are not transporting commercial goods.
The committee also announced the closure of all government and private institutions in the 14 Kuki-Zo villages under its jurisdiction until further notice.
Expressing regret over the inconvenience likely to be caused by the protest, the WC-KCSOs said the blockade had become necessary as the community could no longer remain silent after being denied access to essential supplies.
It held the authorities responsible for the situation, alleging that prolonged government inaction had left the community with no alternative but to resort to what it described as a democratic form of protest.
The committee further urged those enforcing the blockade to remain vigilant and prepared. It also alleged that while the governments of Manipur and the Centre respond firmly when Kuki-Zo groups launch democratic protests, they have shown a different approach towards similar blockades enforced by Meitei and Naga organisations.