Kpi CSOs temporarily suspended eco-blockade
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, March 14 2020: Tension once again erupted over the controversial Haraothel-Koutruk land dispute on March 8 when people of Koutruk village in Imphal West allegedly felt down many trees in Haraothel land in Kangpokpi district.

An indefinite economic blockade was enforced along National Highway 2 since 8 pm of March 8 by civil society organizations of Kangpokpi District under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi District to show their discontentment over the alleged repeated encroachment of Haraothel land by Koutruk people.

Enraged with the alleged repeated 'sinister intention' of Koutruk people, the civil society organizations of Kangpokpi in an emergency joint meeting under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi collectively decided to impose the indefinite economic blockade immediately from 8 pm of March 8.However, hundreds of stranded loaded vehicles along the highway which were later stationed at Brig M Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi were allowed passage after the CSOs relaxed the stir for 36 hours considering the importance of Yaosang festival.

Later, around 50 loaded vehicles were reported stranded at Hengbung old check post owing to the indefinite economic blockade that resumed on March 11 at 10 am while many more loaded trucks were also reported along the Highway from Mao gate till Kohima.

The next day on March 12, CSOs Kangpokpi under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi met the DGP who was given full authority on the issue by the Chief Minister and later convened an emergency joint meeting at KSO Sadar Hills Kangpokpi.

According to the Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi District, DGP LM Khaute requested on behalf of the Chief Minister to suspend the stir with a condition to fulfil the CSOs demands in connection with Haraothel-Koutruk issue.

The CSOs Kangpokpi leaders had decided to consider the request of the Chief Minister and DGP with a condition that the Government should ensure no more encroachment on Haraothel land by Koutruk people.

Secondly, the CSOs also resolved to put up its charter of demands to the State Government over the issue within a week.

They also resolved to resume the stir if the State Government fails to fulfil the demands.

Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi district had also withdrawn KSO Sadar Hills involvement over current stir as requested by the student body stating that it [KSO Sadar Hills] in it appealed pointed out that many had misunderstood them and consider otherwise their sincere involvement in the larger interest of justice.

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