Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs) in Ukhrul has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the district administrations of Imphal East, Kangpokpi, and Ukhrul. The group demands an immediate stop to the alleged burning and confiscation of relief supplies bound for Kuki-Zo areas. If authorities fail to act by midnight on July 23, the committee will launch a three-day counter economic blockade.
Drivers are being targeted. The committee reported that goods worth nearly Rs 10 lakh have been destroyed in incidents at Wunghon, Saijang, and Sokvao. Despite a closed-door meeting with the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul on June 25, the attacks continue. The committee explicitly named the Officer-in-Charge of the Yaingangpokpi Police Station for his alleged role in these disruptions.
Tensions remain high across the region. Obstructions persist near Litan, Yaingangpokpi, and Lamlai stations, while a separate blockade on National Highway-2 at Senapati and Kanglatongbi has lasted nearly a month. The WCKCSOs claims the state and Centre have failed to provide the same security escorts for Kuki-Zo supplies that other communities receive. The organization stated, "The Kuki-Zo community had exercised restraint throughout the ongoing ethnic conflict but cautioned that such restraint should not be interpreted as weakness."
The group has accused the government of discriminatory enforcement. They plan to hold a joint meeting with Kuki-Zo civil society organizations from Kangpokpi on July 24 to review the situation. The committee holds the authorities responsible for any fallout from the impending blockade if their demands remain ignored.
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