Meetei groups blamed for travel curb on Kuki-Zo
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, August 06 2025: Amid the ongoing travel restrictions affecting the Kuki-Zo populace between Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, the Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSO) has issued a stern 36 hour ultimatum demanding an immediate end to what it terms an "uncivilised and undemocratic blockade" .

According to Thangminlen Kipgen, who is spokesperson of the Working Committee of Kuki CSOs, the indefinite restriction in effect since July 15 has inflicted immense hardship on commuters, cutting off essential supplies and escalating tensions in an already fragile region.

After extensive consultations with stakeholders and civil society groups, the WCKCSO claimed to have uncovered the real forces behind the protest, accusing radical elements of manipulating local tribal dynamics for their own agenda.

"Certain radicalised Meetei supremacists are using the 'Foothills Naga' as a scapegoat to create friction between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities," Thangminlen stated.

He also specifically named Sapamacha Jadumani of the Federation of Haomee and Th Manihar of FOCS, alleging that both had "single-handedly inflamed the sentiments " of members of the unsuspecting Liangmei community, particularly in areas through which Ku-ki-Zo travellers regularly commute.

The WCKCSO accused these groups of deliberately inciting hostility to disrupt the flow of essential commodities and to impose unwarranted travel hard ships on the Kuki-Zo people.

Despite repeated appeals and calls for intervention, the organisation claims that both district and central authorities have remained silent and inactive.

"In light of these malicious and targeted acts of ethnic discrimination, we are compelled to issue this ultimatum," Kipgen asserted.

The WCKCSO warned that if the blockade is not lifted within 36 hours, a total blockade of essential supplies along the Asian Highway/National High-way-2 will begin from 7 am on August 8, continuing indefinitely until the matter is addressed.

The committee also made it unequivocally clear that any consequences arising from the situation will be the sole responsibility of Jadumani, Manihar, and the relevant authorities at both the state and central levels.

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