The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations, Ukhrul (WCKCSOs-Ukhrul), has imposed an indefinite shutdown in Kuki-inhabited areas of Ukhrul district from midnight of August 5, alleging that the Manipur Government and district administration had failed to address what it described as a “selective economic blockade” on Kuki villages.
The shutdown came into effect following the expiry of a 48-hour ultimatum served by the committee. The organisation claimed that despite submitting memoranda, staging protests and holding discussions with the district administration, no concrete measures had been taken to ensure the free movement of essential commodities to the affected areas.
In a statement, the committee alleged that certain Tangkhul and Meitei groups had imposed restrictions on the transportation of essential goods to Kuki-inhabited villages, forcing it to launch a counter-economic blockade, which it said entered its tenth day on Wednesday.
The WCKCSOs further alleged that repeated assurances by the district administration had not translated into action. It claimed that a meeting convened by the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul, to resolve the issue was later cancelled, while a proposed online meeting also failed to materialise.
The committee stated that students and members of the public had extended support to the agitation, demanding the immediate lifting of the alleged restrictions on the movement of essential commodities.
Maintaining that all democratic avenues had been exhausted, the committee asserted that the shutdown was intended to press for equal access to essential supplies and protection of the rights of people living in the affected areas.
The shutdown, however, exempts essential services, including electricity and water supply, telecommunications, medical emergencies, airport-bound passengers, postal services and vehicles of security forces. The committee said vehicles availing the exemptions would be subject to verification and security checks. It also requested security agencies to share advance information on the movement of security force convoys.
The WCKCSOs urged the Manipur Government and the district administration to take immediate steps to address the issue and ensure the unhindered movement of essential commodities to all affected areas.