The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs)-Ukhrul has announced an indefinite counter-economic blockade on National Highway-202, alleging prolonged disruption in the supply of essential commodities to Kuki-Zo inhabited areas and denying allegations that its volunteers kidnapped a civilian during the protest.
In a statement, the committee said the blockade came into effect from midnight on July 26 following consultations with Kuki-Zo civil society organisations from Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts. It said the decision was prompted by persistent shortages of essential commodities in Kuki-Zo villages and what it described as inadequate action by the authorities to restore the free movement of goods.
According to the organisation, the blockade will continue until the government takes concrete measures to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities through National Highway-202.
The WCKCSOs stated that vehicles carrying patients during medical emergencies, passenger vehicles, travellers heading to airports and security forces would be permitted to pass after inspection to ensure they were not transporting commercial goods. It also announced the temporary closure of government and private institutions in 14 Kuki-Zo villages during the course of the agitation.
While expressing regret over the inconvenience caused by the blockade, the committee maintained that it had resorted to the protest only after exhausting other avenues to raise its concerns.
In a separate statement, the organisation alleged bias in policing and questioned the handling of law and order issues in parts of Ukhrul district. It also raised concerns over what it termed inconsistencies in recent police actions and investigations, calling for impartial enforcement of the law.
The committee further rejected allegations that Indian Overseas Bank employee Kharaingam Jaojo had been kidnapped by blockade volunteers along the Shangkai-Mahadev stretch of NH-202. It described the allegation as false and asserted that no civilian had been detained during the blockade.
The organisation acknowledged intercepting an India Post vehicle but claimed that only commercial goods allegedly being transported in violation of the blockade were seized, while the driver, the vehicle and all postal consignments were allowed to proceed.
The WCKCSOs also argued that the alleged kidnapping was improbable given the heavy deployment of security personnel along the highway. It appealed to the public and the media to verify information before sharing it, warning that misinformation could further aggravate tensions in the conflict-affected state.
There was no immediate response from the Manipur Police or other security agencies regarding the allegations made by the organisation.
