The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul (WCKCSOs-Ukhrul), has enforced an indefinite shutdown in parts of Manipur’s Ukhrul district, alleging that the state government failed to address concerns over what it described as a “selective economic blockade” affecting Kuki-inhabited areas.
The shutdown came into effect at midnight after the expiry of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the committee. The organisation said it had organised protests, submitted memoranda and held discussions with the district administration, but alleged that no concrete measures had been taken to resolve the issue.
According to the committee, the agitation stems from alleged restrictions on the movement of essential commodities into Kuki-inhabited areas, which it claimed had been imposed by certain Tangkhul and Meitei groups. It also stated that its counter-economic blockade entered its tenth day on Wednesday.
The WCKCSOs-Ukhrul alleged that despite several rounds of discussions and assurances from the district administration, the issue remained unresolved. It further claimed that a meeting convened by the Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner was later cancelled and that there had been no follow-up on a proposed online discussion.
The committee said members of the student community had also joined the protest, demanding the immediate removal of the alleged restrictions on the movement of essential goods.
Stating that it had exhausted all available democratic means of protest, the committee said its demand was not for special treatment but for justice, equality and the right of people in the affected areas to live with dignity.
The shutdown exempts essential services, including electricity and water supply, telecommunications, medical emergencies, airport-bound passengers, postal services and the movement of security force vehicles. However, the committee said these exemptions would remain subject to verification and security checks.
It also issued guidelines regarding the movement of security force convoys and requested advance information on their tentative schedules and composition.
Reiterating its stand, the committee urged the Manipur government and the district administration to take immediate steps to ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential commodities and address the concerns raised by residents of the affected Kuki-inhabited areas.
