The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, on Monday endorsed an ultimatum issued by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Twilang Block, demanding the unrestricted movement of essential commodities to the Twilang area through the IT Road by September 23, and warned of “stringent counter-action” if the alleged blockade persists.
In an emergency meeting held on Monday, the CoTU reiterated its September 9 position over what it described as the continued disruption of the essential commodities supply chain to Kuki-Zo habitations along the IT Road, particularly at Thonglang and Chawangkining.
The development comes amid heightened tensions over the movement of supplies and civilians along the strategic route connecting Kangpokpi with the Twilang area.
The KSO, which claims to represent more than 30 villages in Twilang, had earlier submitted an ultimatum to the Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi, demanding that all vehicles carrying essential commodities arranged in Kangpokpi for Twilang and IT Road areas be allowed to proceed without restrictions on the number of vehicles by September 23.
The student body alleged that despite a communication issued by the Deputy Commissioner’s office on August 26 directing an increase in the number of supply vehicles escorted by the 112 Battalion CRPF from two to three, only one convoy comprising two vehicles had been sent since then.
“We are not demanding 2 to 3 vehicles anymore,” the KSO said, describing its latest demand as its final position and calling for unrestricted movement of essential supplies.
The KSO also alleged that an economic blockade at Chawangkining and Thonglang had continued, while public movement along the IT Road had remained restricted for between three and six months. It claimed that students, patients and daily wage earners had been among those affected.
Backing the ultimatum, the CoTU questioned the continued implementation of restrictions despite an August 28 order of the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) prohibiting blockades.
The Sadar Hills based tribal body said the state government must enforce its own order and ensure that humanitarian supplies reach Kuki-Zo habitations without obstruction.
“Trust-building measures would remain meaningless if corridors of humanitarian supplies towards Kuki-Zo habitations are blocked at Thonglang and Chawangkining,” the CoTU said, while referring to recent efforts by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand to reach out to the Kuki-Zo community and the facilitation of safe passage for commuters travelling between Imphal and Dimapur along NH-2.
The CoTU also warned that failure to resolve the issue could compel the Kuki-Zo community to initiate what it termed “stringent counter-action” against the alleged blockade.
Meanwhile, the KSO has warned that if unrestricted movement of essential commodities is not permitted by September 23, it would impose a total blockade of vehicular movement along the IT Road.
It further announced that the general public would move en masse from Kangpokpi towards the IT Road on September 24 to procure essential supplies if its demands were not met.
The organisation warned that the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi, and the Commanding Officer of 112 Battalion CRPF would be held responsible for any “unwanted incident” during the proposed movement.
The KSO has also demanded action against officials responsible for enforcing supply and movement restrictions and called for the removal of personnel from the Twilang area if they fail to implement the administration’s orders.
The ultimatum was signed by KSO Twilang Block president Letkhon Chongloi and general secretary Kaiminthang Khongsai and copies were forwarded to Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, DIG CRPF Kangpokpi, SP Kangpokpi, Commanding Officer 112 Battalion CRPF and apex civil society organisations in the district.
The CoTU’s latest endorsement comes at a sensitive juncture, with the September 23 deadline and the proposed September 24 public movement potentially adding another flashpoint to the already fragile situation along the IT Road.
