'KSDC blockade defies humanitarian values'
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul, November 20 2012: The public blockade along the Imphal-Ukhrul road imposed by Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) has defied all humanitarian issues and universal rights.

On the third day of blockade on Tuesday, KSDC bandh volunteers have even stopped ambulance, press vehicle and other utility services at Gwaltabi, which falls under Sadar Hills in Senapati and located 25-km from the state capital.

A team of Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), who were on their way to Imphal to attend ATSUM's emergency meeting, witnessed the entire episode.

The student body team in two vehicles was even refused passage.

''The bandh enforcers did not even allow ambulance coming from Ukhrul to pass through...our vehicles were also not permitted to proceed to Imphal,'' said the TKS activist from the spot.

TKS general secretary Mahirah Raihing informed that the apex Tribal student body ATSUM is facing organisational crisis and therefore, the team was heading for Imphal on exigent mission.

''The behaviour of KSDC volunteers is totally against tribal unity,'' he iterated.

The TKS team was also reportedly foul-mouthed with ''abusive and communal language'' .

Raihing termed the action as ''sheerly uncivilised and undemocratic'' while saying the latter still need a lesson on humanitarian values.

Further, the TKS warned of repercussion if anyone was hurt during the blockade.

''The state government should not turned a blind eye to such undemocratic agitation...few roadside villages cannot take the entire district for a ride,'' asserted Raihing.

On receiving the news about the extreme manner of the blockade, many right thinking citizens have condemned the action of KSDC volunteers at Gwaltabi.

Questioning the conscience of the KSDC, public have expressed utter surprise over the manner which disregard all humanitarian values and universal rights.

Even the vehicle of this reporter, who was on its way to Ukhrul and accompanied by his relatives for urgent meeting, has to retreat as the bandh enforcers refused passage.

Meanwhile, many people on emergency cases have to walk past the blockade point on foot and managed to find alternative either at Litan or at Yaingangpokpi.

However, no cases of violent incidents have so far been reported from blockade imposed along Imphal-Ukhrul road.

Till Monday, the KSDC also invoked a blockade point at Shangkai, near Litan police station.

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