Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, March 14:
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has strongly condemned the announcement of a total blockade along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road by a self-styled Kuki organisation, describing the move as unlawful, unjustified and a direct assault on the fundamental rights of the people.
In a strongly worded statement, the apex Tangkhul civil body expressed vehement opposition to the bandh call reportedly issued by the so-called Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul, terming it an unwarranted attempt to paralyse the vital lifeline that connects the hill districts of Ukhrul and Kamjong with Imphal and the rest of the State.
The Imphal–Ukhrul Road, part of National Highway 202A, serves as the primary transportation artery for thousands of commuters, students, traders and patients travelling daily between the hill districts and the State capital. TNL asserted that any attempt to disrupt traffic along this critical route is unacceptable under the norms of a civilised society and constitutes a serious threat to public welfare and economic stability.
Citing the ruling of the Supreme Court of India, the TNL stated that bandhs and forced shutdowns violate citizens’ fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, liberty and livelihood. Such actions, the organisation pointed out, inflict immense hardship on ordinary people and severely disrupt economic and social activities.
In view of the situation, the Tangkhul Naga Long urged the State Government to intervene immediately to ensure that the National Highway remains open and free from obstruction. It called upon the authorities to take urgent steps to clear any blockade and restore normal traffic along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road without delay.
The organisation further demanded the deployment of additional security forces along sensitive stretches of the highway. According to TNL, security agencies must establish round-the-clock Road Opening Parties (ROP) at vulnerable points to prevent intimidation, harassment or obstruction faced by innocent commuters and transporters.
Meanwhile, the TNL also demanded strict legal action against the group responsible for the bandh call. It urged the authorities to initiate necessary proceedings under the law and even consider banning the so-called Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul, for engaging in activities that threaten public order and communal harmony.
In addition, the Tangkhul Naga Long raised serious concern over an incident that occurred on March 11, when two vehicles—a Baleno bearing registration number MN06-LB1872 and a Maruti Alto (MN01W-5227)—were allegedly intercepted and seized by Kuki militants at Shangshai village under Litan Police Station.
The TNL demanded the immediate return of the two vehicles along with the passengers’ personal belongings, stating that the properties were illegally seized from innocent civilians and students. It also called upon the authorities to take prompt measures to retrieve the confiscated items and ensure the safe and lawful movement of all citizens along the highway.
The statement was issued by the Media Cell of the Working Committee of Tangkhul Naga Long.