Kangpokpi: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Central and Manipur governments demanding the immediate restoration of unrestricted movement along National and Inter-State Highways passing through Kangpokpi district, warning that failure to comply would compel the Kuki-Zo community to undertake “appropriate and pre-emptive democratic measures” to safeguard its rights, interests and security.
The decision was unanimously adopted during a joint deliberation attended by all Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Kangpokpi district at CoTU’s Administrative Office on Saturday. The ultimatum, effective from midnight of June 27, accuses the governments of failing to ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential commodities, medicines, commercial goods and civilians for more than a month due to the continued blockade and operation of what it described as “unauthorised checkpoints and gates” allegedly manned by Kacha Naga groups in Manipur.
CoTU said the prolonged disruption has severely affected road transportation—the lifeline of the people and backbone of economic activities—causing immense hardship to all communities, particularly residents of Kangpokpi district.
Despite repeated appeals and the passage of considerable time, the governments have failed to restore normalcy and ensure unobstructed movement along the public highways, the organisation alleged.
CoTU and the participating CSOs demanded that the Government of Manipur, in coordination with the Centre and the concerned security agencies, immediately dismantle all unauthorised checkpoints and gates established along National and Inter-State Highways and restore unrestricted public access within 48 hours from the issuance of the press release.
Warning of an escalation if their demands remain unaddressed, CoTU said failure to comply within the stipulated period would compel the Kuki-Zo community to initiate “appropriate and pre-emptive democratic measures” to protect the interests, rights and security of the general public.
The organisation further asserted that any untoward incident arising from the authorities’ continued failure to resolve the issue would rest entirely with the Government of Manipur and the concerned authorities, alleging that they had failed to uphold law and order and guarantee the free movement of citizens.
Reiterating its commitment to protecting public interests, CoTU urged both the Central and State governments to act without delay to prevent any further deterioration of the prevailing situation.
