IMPHAL : The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex civil body representing the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, has withdrawn the economic blockade imposed in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas after receiving assurances from the government regarding the supply of food grains and other essential commodities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, KIM said the decision was taken following commitments from the authorities to address shortages of basic necessities affecting residents in Kangpokpi district and other Kuki-Zo dominated regions. The organisation said the blockade was launched in response to growing concerns over the scarcity of food grains, fuel, medicines and other essential items, which it claimed had caused hardships for local communities.According to KIM, repeated appeals were made to the authorities before the blockade was imposed.
The body maintained that the action was intended to draw attention to the difficulties faced by residents and to secure urgent government intervention.While announcing the withdrawal of the blockade, KIM urged the government and relevant agencies to ensure that essential commodities reach affected areas within the next 48 hours. The organisation stated that uninterrupted access to food, medicines and daily necessities is critical for residents living in the hill districts, many of whom have faced supply disruptions in recent weeks.KIM also warned that failure to fulfil the assurances could trigger further action, saying the community would be compelled to consider additional measures if shortages persist.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur, where relations between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have remained strained since violence first erupted in May 2023.The conflict has led to large-scale displacement, loss of lives and prolonged disruptions to transportation and supply routes in several parts of the state. Kangpokpi district, which has a significant Kuki-Zo population, has been among the areas affected by recurring concerns over access to essential goods and services.
Over the past two years, various organisations from different communities have periodically resorted to protests, blockades and demonstrations to press their demands on issues ranging from security and governance to access to resources and humanitarian assistance.KIM said its decision to withdraw the blockade was taken in good faith and expressed hope that the government would act swiftly to restore normal supply chains and ease the difficulties faced by residents.
The organisation further stressed that access to food, medicines and other essential commodities should not become a casualty of political or administrative disputes and called upon the authorities to prioritise the welfare of citizens.
With the blockade now lifted, attention will shift to whether the promised supplies reach the affected areas within the timeframe indicated by the government. Community leaders said timely action would be crucial in rebuilding confidence and preventing further tensions in the region.