TENGNOUPAL: Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Tengnoupal district on Tuesday announced an indefinite economic blockade in the district beginning May 28, demanding justice for the killing of three Kuki-Zo religious leaders and the safe release of hostages reportedly held captive amid the ongoing unrest in Manipur.
In a joint press statement issued on behalf of the general public, the organisations expressed deep concern over the “volatile situation” prevailing in the state and declared their support for the initiatives undertaken by Kuki Inpi Manipur.
The statement strongly endorsed the demand for a judicial inquiry into the ambush and killing of the three religious leaders belonging to the Kuki-Zo community. The organisations also called for the immediate and safe release of hostages held “on both sides,” stressing that justice and humanitarian considerations must prevail over communal tensions.
Announcing the protest action, the CSOs stated that the indefinite economic blockade would come into effect from May 28 and continue until justice is delivered in connection with the killing of the religious leaders and all hostages are safely released.
“We urge the government authorities to conduct an impartial enquiry over the death of the three religious leaders and initiate the release of the hostages to deliver justice for promoting communal harmony in the state,” the statement said.
The signatories to the statement included leaders from several prominent organisations in Tengnoupal district, reflecting broad-based support for the blockade call. Among them were LS. Seikhojang Baite, President of the Kuki Chiefs Association Tengnoupal District; S. Phalneikim Mate, President of the Kuki Women Union-Human Rights (KWU-HR) Tengnoupal District; Sonpao Haokip, Chairman of the Moreh Area Welfare Council (MAWC); Jangthang Mate, Vice-President of the Hill Tribal Council, Moreh; and Thangboi Lhungdim, President of the Kuki Students’ Organisation, Tengnoupal District.
