The Kuki Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Working Committee of Kamjong district has issued a 36-hour notice to the Deputy Commissioner and district administration, demanding immediate intervention into what it described as prolonged economic hardship and movement restrictions affecting the Kuki community for more than six months.
In a statement, the committee claimed that the restrictions had affected access to essential commodities, normal economic activities, livelihood opportunities and the ability of families to meet their day-to-day needs.
The committee said the community had maintained restraint and repeatedly approached the district administration and other concerned authorities seeking a peaceful and administrative solution. It alleged that these appeals, as well as representations made by other Kuki civil society organisations, had not resulted in any satisfactory intervention.
The committee has demanded immediate and concrete administrative action, dialogue with all concerned stakeholders, impartial administration and effective measures to restore normal economic activities.
It warned that if there is no satisfactory response or meaningful intervention within 36 hours, it would proceed with an indefinite economic blockade at Chassad.
According to the committee, the proposed blockade would exempt patients, ambulances and medical emergencies, essential medical supplies and emergency healthcare movement. Army convoys and movements, telecommunications services and electricity services would also be exempted.
The committee appealed to all concerned to maintain discipline and ensure that humanitarian and essential movements remain unaffected.
It said the prolonged hardship could not be allowed to continue indefinitely and urged the Kamjong district administration to act within the stipulated 36-hour period.
The committee maintained that immediate and meaningful administrative intervention was necessary to address its demands and arrive at a peaceful and lasting solution.