Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) threw its weight behind a Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) ultimatum on September 21. They want unrestricted passage for essential supplies along the IT Road by September 23. This route links Kangpokpi to the Twilang area. Dozens of villages face supply shortages.
The KSO represents more than 30 villages. They claim the current setup fails them. An August 26 communication from the Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner promised three escorted vehicles. Only one convoy of two vehicles has moved since then. The KSO now reports continued blocks near Thonglang and Chawangkining. Students, patients, and workers are trapped.
CoTU insists officials ignore an August 28 home department order banning blockades. They want the government to clear the way for humanitarian aid. "Trust-building measures would remain meaningless if corridors of humanitarian supplies towards Kuki-Zo habitations are blocked at Thonglang and Chawangkining," CoTU stated.
KSO Twilang Block leaders Letkhon Chongloi and Kaiminthang Khongsai signed the demand. They sent copies to Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and local police and military leadership. If the state ignores the September 23 deadline, KSO plans a total vehicle stoppage on the IT Road. They also scheduled a public march for September 24. The group wants personnel changes and disciplinary action against the officers enforcing the current roadblocks.
Comments