Imphal: The Foothill Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) on Friday evening lifted its nearly month-long restriction on the movement of Kukis through Naga areas, imposed since July 15, following an agreement with the Government of Manipur.
The decision came less than 12 hours after the Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs), Sadar Hills Kanggui (Kangpokpi), enforced a counter economic blockade along the National Highway-2 to protest the FNCC’s action, which it termed “inhumane and undemocratic.”
The breakthrough was reached during a 4:00 p.m. meeting in Imphal between senior state government officials and representatives from the foothills Nagas, who discussed concerns over unauthorised road construction, the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, and illegal poppy cultivation.
Following the meeting, the FNCC agreed to “call off the blockade/agitation with immediate effect,” restoring free movement of Kukis through the affected areas.
The agreement was signed by FNCC and other leaders, including representatives from the Joint Tribes Council, Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation, and Koubru Range Liangmai Women Union, on the one hand and Shri N. Ashok Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), on behalf of the Government of Manipur.
Meanwhile, the FNCC express its gratitude to the United Naga Council (UNC), Joint Tribes Council (Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, Zeme), Core Committee on Relief & Rehabilitation, Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO), Nongmaiching Foothills Indigenous Naga Organization, Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation (TNFO), Committee on Protection of Indigenous Peoples’ Ancestral Land (COPIPAL), Koubru Range Liangmai Women Union (KRLWU), Chiru & Kharam Naga Volunteers, and Eastern Liangmai Chiefs & Chairmen Association (ELCCA) for “their unwavering prayers, solidarity, and support throughout this crucial movement.”
The lifting of the restrictions is expected to bring immediate relief to transporters, traders, and travellers, particularly the Kuki-Zo communities, ending weeks of disrupted supply lines and heightened community tensions.
However, as of the time of filing this report, it is still uncertain whether the WCKCSOs will lift their economic blockade.
