Manipur: WCKCSOs issues 36 hour ultimatum to lift travel curbs on Kuki-Zo commuters, threatens blockade on NH-2

Amid rising tensions over prolonged travel restrictions between Kanggui (Kangpokpi) and Songpi (Churachandpur), the Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs) has issued a 36-hour ultimatum demanding immediate removal of what it terms an "uncivilized and undemocratic blockade" targeting Kuki-Zo commuters.

In a strongly worded statement, WCKCSOs spokesperson Thangminlen Kipgen described the travel curbs—enforced since July 15—as a deliberate attempt to isolate and harass the Kuki-Zo population, disrupting the flow of essential commodities and exacerbating ethnic tensions.

Following a series of stakeholder meetings and internal consultations, WCKCSOs alleged that radical elements are manipulating inter-community relations, accusing certain individuals of weaponizing local sentiments for divisive ends.

“Radicalized Meitei supremacists are using the ‘Foothills Naga’ as a scapegoat to stir discord between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities,” Kipgen said, adding that the actions are designed to provoke hostility and block access to vital transit routes.

Specifically naming Sapamacha Jadumani of the Federation of Haomee and Th Manihar of FOCS (Federation of Civil Society Organisations), Kipgen alleged both were instrumental in inciting members of the Liangmei Naga community, particularly in sensitive zones frequented by Kuki-Zo travellers.

The committee accused these actors of fostering ethnic animosity to intentionally disrupt supplies and civilian movement, further stating that repeated appeals to both state and central governments have fallen on deaf ears.

“In the face of deliberate ethnic targeting and administrative inaction, we are left with no choice but to act,” said Kipgen.

The WCKCSOs warned that if the blockade is not lifted by 7:00 AM on August 8, they will impose a total blockade along Asian Highway/National Highway-2, affecting essential goods and services, until their demands are addressed.

The committee emphasized that the responsibility for any fallout will rest squarely on the shoulders of Jadumani, Manihar, and both state and central authorities.

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In a strongly worded statement, WCKCSOs spokesperson Thangminlen Kipgen described the travel curbs—enforced since July 15—as a deliberate attempt to isolate and harass the Kuki-Zo population, disrupting the flow of essential commodities and exacerbating ethnic tensions.

Following a series of stakeholder meetings and internal consultations, WCKCSOs alleged that radical elements are manipulating inter-community relations, accusing certain individuals of weaponizing local sentiments for divisive ends.

“Radicalized Meitei supremacists are using the ‘Foothills Naga’ as a scapegoat to stir discord between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities,” Kipgen said, adding that the actions are designed to provoke hostility and block access to vital transit routes.

Specifically naming Sapamacha Jadumani of the Federation of Haomee and Th Manihar of FOCS (Federation of Civil Society Organisations), Kipgen alleged both were instrumental in inciting members of the Liangmei Naga community, particularly in sensitive zones frequented by Kuki-Zo travellers.

The committee accused these actors of fostering ethnic animosity to intentionally disrupt supplies and civilian movement, further stating that repeated appeals to both state and central governments have fallen on deaf ears.

“In the face of deliberate ethnic targeting and administrative inaction, we are left with no choice but to act,” said Kipgen.

The WCKCSOs warned that if the blockade is not lifted by 7:00 AM on August 8, they will impose a total blockade along Asian Highway/National Highway-2, affecting essential goods and services, until their demands are addressed.

The committee emphasized that the responsibility for any fallout will rest squarely on the shoulders of Jadumani, Manihar, and both state and central authorities.