Guwahati: The working committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs)-Ukhrul enforced a “counter-economic blockade” on National Highway-202 from Sunday midnight, alleging prolonged govt inaction over obstruction of essential supplies to Kuki-Zo areas.The decision followed consultations with Kuki-Zo civil society organisations in Ukhrul and Kangpokpi. The committee said the blockade would continue until the govt ensured the free movement of essential commodities through concrete action rather than assurances.“For months, the Kuki-Zo people of Ukhrul, Kamjong and Kangpokpi have endured the continued obstruction of essential commodities while the govt watched in silence. We submitted memoranda, held meetings, accepted assurances, exercised restraint, and gave the authorities every opportunity to act. Every promise faded into empty words, while our people continued to bear the consequences,” the committee said.Medical emergencies, passenger vehicles, airport-bound travellers and security forces will be allowed through after inspection to ensure they are not carrying goods. Govt and private institutions within the committee’s jurisdiction, covering 14 Kuki-Zo villages, will remain closed until further notice.“All govt and private institutions within the jurisdiction of the 14 Kuki-Zo villages shall remain closed until further notice. We deeply regret the inconvenience this decision may cause. However, a people denied their basic necessities cannot be expected to remain silent indefinitely. The responsibility for this situation rests solely with the authorities whose prolonged inaction has left us with no option but to resort to this democratic form of protest,” the release said.The committee asked blockade enforcers to remain vigilant and alleged that the Manipur and central governments acted forcefully only when Kuki-Zo groups protested, “while displaying remarkable indifference towards similar blockades enforced by Meitei and Naga groups”.
