The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), following a joint meeting with various civil society organisations (CSOs) of Kangpokpi district, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Central and Manipur governments, demanding the immediate restoration of free movement along National and Inter-State Highways passing through the district.
In a statement, CoTU said the decision was unanimously adopted during a joint deliberation held at its Administrative Office in Kangpokpi on June 27. The ultimatum took effect from midnight of June 27.
The organisation alleged that the free movement of essential commodities, medicines, commercial goods and other daily necessities along the highways passing through Kangpokpi district had remained obstructed for more than a month due to the continued operation of unauthorised checkpoints and gates allegedly set up by Kacha Naga groups in Manipur.
According to CoTU, the disruption of road transport—the primary mode of movement for people and goods in the state—had caused severe hardship to all communities in Manipur, particularly the residents of Kangpokpi district. It claimed that the prolonged obstruction had adversely affected the transportation of essential commodities, medical supplies and commercial goods, besides restricting the free movement of the public.
The organisation further alleged that despite repeated appeals, the Central and State governments had failed to restore normal traffic movement and ensure unobstructed access along the highways.
CoTU demanded that the Government of Manipur, in coordination with the Central Government and the concerned security agencies, remove all unauthorised checkpoints and gates from the National and Inter-State Highways and restore unrestricted public movement within 48 hours of the issuance of the ultimatum.
The organisation warned that if the authorities failed to comply within the stipulated period, the Kuki-Zo community would be compelled to undertake what it described as appropriate democratic measures to safeguard the interests, rights and security of the public.
CoTU also stated that if any untoward incident were to occur due to the continued failure of the authorities to address the issue, the responsibility would rest with the Government of Manipur and the concerned authorities for their alleged inability to uphold law and order and ensure the free movement of citizens.
