Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs) in Ukhrul launched an indefinite total shutdown on the Ukhrul-Imphal National Highway 202 at midnight on August 5. The action follows a 48-hour ultimatum that the group claims the government ignored. The blockade covers a 10-km stretch from Mongkot Chepu to Shangkai Kuki village.
The group demands an end to a selective economic blockade allegedly imposed by Tangkhul and Meitei groups on Kuki-inhabited areas. Mercy Khongsai, vice president of KSO Ukhrul, stated that the organization held four days of peaceful protests in June and submitted multiple memoranda. These efforts resulted only in verbal assurances from the Deputy Commissioner. The committee reported that its own counter-economic blockade reached its tenth day on Wednesday.
Essential services including water, electricity, medical, and postal remain exempt. Security forces, airport-bound passengers, and telecom services are also cleared. These groups must pass through strict frisking. The committee declared that "any act of violence from the government agencies will be met with an equal measure of force."
The committee set strict rules for military and police movement. Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, and Manipur Police convoys must not haul civilian vehicles. Commanders ranked Major or Captain and above must provide advance notice of convoy timing and composition to the committee. Students have joined the protest in solidarity, citing a lack of progress after the district administration cancelled a planned meeting and failed to follow up on a digital replacement.
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