Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The Kuki CSO Working Committee of Ukhrul launched an indefinite total shutdown on the Ukhrul-Imphal National Highway 202 at midnight on August 5. The blockade hits a 10-km stretch between Mongkot Chepu and Shangkai Kuki village. Vehicles and commercial traffic stopped Wednesday morning. The group demands an end to what they call a selective economic blockade imposed by Tangkhul and Meitei groups. This action marks the eleventh day of their own counter-blockade efforts.
Mercy Khongsai, vice president of the Kuki Students Organisation in Ukhrul, said the group exhausted all democratic avenues. Four days of protests and multiple memoranda failed to move the needle. Khongsai claims the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul offered only verbal assurances before canceling a planned meeting. The committee received no further word after a virtual meeting proposal fell through.
Students joined the protest in solidarity. The group insists they seek equal rights. "We are not asking for privilege; we are demanding justice, equality, and our fundamental right to live with dignity," the committee stated. They warned that any coercive government action will worsen the situation. The committee added, "any act of violence from the government agencies will be met with an equal measure of force."
Exemptions apply to electricity, water, telecom, postal services, medical emergencies, airport-bound travelers, and security vehicles. All exempt traffic faces mandatory frisking. Security forces including the Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, and Manipur Police must follow new rules. Convoys cannot carry civilian vehicles. Commanders ranked Captain, Major, or higher must provide advance notice of timing, strength, and composition to the committee.
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