UKHRUL : Fresh pressure has mounted on the Manipur Government after a Kuki civil society group issued a 48-hour ultimatum, warning that a total shutdown will be enforced from August 5 unless the alleged restriction on the movement of essential goods to Kuki-Zo villages in Ukhrul district is brought to an end.
The warning came from the Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs)-Ukhrul, which accused the authorities of failing to stop what it described as a “selective economic blockade” affecting Kuki-Zo residents. According to the organisation, trucks carrying food items, medicines and other daily necessities have been prevented from reaching Kuki-inhabited areas through stretches of National Highway-202, particularly around Seijang, Yaingangpokpi, Wunghon and Sokvao.
In its statement, the committee alleged that despite repeated appeals, the government has not taken effective steps to restore the uninterrupted movement of essential supplies.
“Our demand is simple. The selective blockade must end immediately and the free movement of essential commodities must be restored without discrimination,” the committee said.
The organisation clarified that its demand is independent of the ongoing United Naga Council (UNC) blockade on National Highway-2 and should not be viewed as part of any other protest. It said the government has been given until midnight of August 5 to resolve the issue. Failing that, the committee warned it would launch a total shutdown across the affected areas.
The committee further argued that a public highway cannot remain accessible to one section of the population while another community is allegedly denied access to food, medicines and other basic supplies.
“No democracy can expect one community to keep its roads open while its own people are selectively deprived of essential commodities,” the statement said. The ultimatum comes at a time when concerns over highway access and the supply of essential goods continue to remain a sensitive issue in parts of Manipur.
With the deadline now set, attention has shifted to whether the state government will intervene before the proposed shutdown begins on August 5.