Moreh: The Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (VVEZ), Kuki-Zo-Gam, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Tangkhul civil society organisations (CSOs) and allied armed groups, demanding the immediate lifting of an alleged economic embargo and movement restrictions imposed on the Kuki community in Kamjong district.
In a press statement released today, VVEZ warned that failure to remove all blockades and hostile measures within the stipulated timeframe would lead to “consequences” for which the Tangkhul CSOs and allied armed militants would be held “solely responsible.”
The organisation alleged that the Kuki population in Kamjong district has been facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to what it described as a targeted campaign against the community. According to VVEZ, the embargo has continued for nearly two months, disrupting access to essential commodities and basic necessities.
VVEZ further claimed that restrictions had been imposed on the movement of Kuki civilians outside their villages, including denial of access to medical facilities at the Kamjong district headquarters. The organisation said such actions have caused immense hardship to villagers and constituted a serious violation of fundamental human rights.
The statement also alleged that the volatile situation in Kamjong and neighbouring Ukhrul district followed repeated attacks on Kuki villages by Tangkhul CSOs and allied armed militants. Despite the tensions, VVEZ claimed it had exercised “maximum restraint” in order to prevent the escalation of another ethnic conflict amid the ongoing Kuki-Meitei crisis in Manipur.
Calling the situation deeply concerning, VVEZ urged the immediate restoration of free movement and access to essential services for the affected Kuki population.
However, the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of the “consequences” it warned of in the event of non-compliance with its demands. No response from Tangkhul CSOs was available at the time of filing this report.
