Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Dozens of women from the Kuki-Zo community staged an indefinite sit-in protest at Shangkhai in Manipur‘s Ukhrul district, alleging a humanitarian access crisis and discriminatory treatment by the district administration.
The protesters, organized by the Kuki Women Union (KWU) and supported by the Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations, Ukhrul (WCKCSOs), demanded that Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner (DC) Uppuluri Chaitanya personally visit the protest site to address their concerns and ensure a lasting solution to the difficulties faced by Kuki-Zo residents.
Demonstrators displayed placards highlighting what they described as administrative bias, carrying messages such as, “Escorting food for Tangkhul Nagas, silence for Kuki-Zo,” “A DC serves every citizen, not selective citizens,” and “Let the government act without bias.”
According to the organizers, Kuki-Zo residents continue to face significant challenges in accessing essential services and moving safely within the district. They asserted that the protest would continue until the district administration responds to their grievances and provides concrete assurances to resolve the issues. Organizers emphasized that the agitation remains peaceful and is intended solely to draw the attention of authorities.
The demonstration comes in the wake of an incident on June 19 involving three Tangkhul Naga civilians who Kuki volunteers allegedly detained at Mongkot Chepu. The three individuals-Masingleng Vashum, Wungpam Vashum, and Ringso Vashum were reportedly travelling to Imphal when they were intercepted along the highway.
Following swift intervention by the Officer-in-Charge of Litan Police Station and his team, the three men were released and safely escorted out of the area on Friday. The incident has further heightened tensions in the district amid ongoing concerns over security and community relations.