Manipur: Kuki Civil Society Bodies Announce Counter Economic Blockade on NH-202 Over Essential Supplies
Imphal, Manipur | July 27: The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WC-KCSOs), Ukhrul, has announced a counter economic blockade on National Highway-202 (NH-202), demanding the uninterrupted movement of essential commodities to Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.
According to a statement issued by the committee on Sunday, the blockade came into effect from midnight of July 26 and will continue until the government takes concrete measures to ensure the free movement of essential supplies instead of offering only assurances.
Demand for Uninterrupted Supply of Essential Commodities
The WC-KCSOs stated that the protest was launched in response to what it described as prolonged restrictions affecting the movement of Kuki-Zo residents through Naga-dominated foothill areas.
The organisation alleged that Kuki-Zo villages located in Ukhrul, Kamjong, and Kangpokpi districtshave been facing continuous shortages of essential commodities due to disruptions in transportation, while the authorities have failed to resolve the issue effectively.
The committee said its primary demand is the restoration of unhindered transportation of essential goods to all affected Kuki-Zo areas.
Dialogue Efforts Failed, Committee Claims
According to the committee, the decision to impose the blockade was taken only after several months of unsuccessful attempts to resolve the matter through dialogue.
It stated that memoranda had been submitted to the government, meetings were held with concerned officials, and the organisation exercised restraint in anticipation of administrative intervention. However, the committee alleged that repeated assurances from the authorities were not followed by meaningful action.
Following consultations with Kuki-Zo civil society organisations from Ukhrul and Kangpokpi, a meeting held on July 26 unanimously resolved to enforce the counter economic blockade on NH-202.
Essential and Emergency Services Exempted
While announcing the protest, the WC-KCSOs clarified that certain categories of vehicles would be exempted from the blockade.
The exemptions include:
- Medical emergency vehicles
- Passenger transport vehicles
- Vehicles carrying airport-bound travellers
- Security force vehicles
However, the committee stated that all exempted vehicles would be subject to inspection to ensure they are not transporting commercial goods.
Institutions Closed in 14 Kuki-Zo Villages
The committee also announced the closure of all government and private institutions located in the 14 Kuki-Zo villages under its jurisdiction until further notice as part of the protest.
It expressed regret over the inconvenience likely to be caused to the public but maintained that the blockade had become necessary after prolonged disruptions in access to essential supplies.
Authorities Held Responsible
The WC-KCSOs held the state authorities responsible for the present situation, alleging that prolonged government inaction had left the community with no option but to resort to what it described as a democratic form of protest.
The organisation also urged volunteers enforcing the blockade to remain vigilant and prepared throughout the duration of the agitation.
Additionally, the committee alleged that while the Manipur Government and the Central Government respond firmly to protests organised by Kuki-Zo groups, they have adopted a different approach towards similar blockades carried out by Meitei and Naga organisations.
Situation Under Close Watch
The announcement of the counter economic blockade is expected to impact transportation along NH-202, one of the key routes connecting parts of Manipur. Authorities are expected to closely monitor the situation to ensure public safety and maintain the movement of exempted services while addressing concerns raised by the protesting organisation.
