Kuki body warns total shutdown
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, August 02 2026: Putting pressure on the State Government, the Kuki Civil Society Organisations Working Committee (WCKCSOs)-Ukhrul on Sunday issued a 48-hour ultimatum, warning that it would enforce a total shutdown from August 5 if authorities fail to end what it describes as a "selective economic blockade" allegedly targeting Kuki-Zo people in Ukhrul district.

The committee categorically stated that its ongoing counter-economic blockade has no connection whatsoever with the United Naga Council's blockade on the National Highway-2, asserting that the two agitations stem from entirely different issues.

While the UNC's blockade seeks justice for the six slain Zeliangrong men, its own movement is centred on ensuring "equal dignity, equal survival," it said.

The WCKCSOs-Ukhrul alleged that certain "Tangkhul and Meitei groups" have imposed a "selective blockade" at Seijang, Yaingangpokpi, Wunghon and Shokvao along NH-202, deliberately obstructing the movement of essential commodities meant for the Kuki-Zo community in Ukhrul district.

"A highway cannot be a lifeline for one people and a blockade for another," the committee said, arguing that the NH-202 cannot continue serving the rest of Manipur while denying the Kuki-Zo population access to food, medicines and other essential supplies.

The committee urged the Government not to conflate its agitation with the UNC's blockade and asserted that the issue is a separate humanitarian crisis requiring immediate, independent and result-oriented intervention.

Claiming that a week of peaceful democratic protest has failed to elicit any meaningful response from the authorities, the WCKCSOs-Ukhrul said it is serving the authorities concerned a 48-hour ultimatum (12 am of August 3 to 12 am of August 5) demanding immediate action to end the alleged selective blockade.

Failure by the Government to restore unrestricted movement of essential commodities would compel the organisation to launch a total shutdown across the area from 12 am of August 5, it said.

The Government now faces a clear choice - immediately end the alleged selective economic blockade against the Kuki-Zo people of Ukhrul or bear sole responsibility for the consequences arising from continued inaction, said WCKCSOs-Ukhrul.

Comment