Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations in Ukhrul issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Manipur government on Sunday. They demand an immediate end to what they call a selective economic blockade targeting Kuki-Zo people. If the state ignores this warning, a total shutdown starts at midnight on August 5.
The group claims specific Tangkhul and Meitei factions restricted access to food and medicine at Seijang, Yaingangpokpi, Wunghon, and Sokvao along National Highway-202. The committee insists its counter-blockade remains unrelated to the United Naga Council protest on National Highway-2. They argue that these issues involve different motivations.
The committee demands equal treatment for all residents. They stated, "A highway cannot be a lifeline for one people and a blockade for another," to highlight the disparity. They reject any attempts by officials to group their struggle with the United Naga Council agitation for six slain Zeliangrong men.
Local leaders warn the government to address the humanitarian crisis independently. They emphasized that patience has limits. "No democracy can expect one community to keep its roads open while its own people are selectively deprived of food and essential commodities," the group asserted. State officials now face a firm deadline to restore the flow of goods or handle the fallout of a total regional shutdown.
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