Vehicular movement, particularly trucks carrying essential supplies, have come to a standstill as the Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs) launched an indefinite economic blockade along the Asian Highway/National Highway-2 in Manipur starting today.
The protest, which began at 7 AM, is against continued travel restrictions on Kuki-Zo commuters between Kanggui (Kangpokpi) and Songpi (Churachandpur).
As the blockade came into effect, women volunteers in Kangpokpi took charge of monitoring the highway, turning back transport vehicles carrying goods and fuel. Only emergency services and medical transport being allowed to pass through.
The agitation follows a 36-hour ultimatum issued on August 6, in which WCKCSOs demanded the removal of what it termed an “undemocratic and uncivilised restriction” on the free movement of Kuki-Zo people.
The group warned that failure to lift the curbs would lead to a complete shutdown of supply routes along the highway.
The committee had also slammed the continued silence of district and central authorities, saying their inaction had emboldened the perpetrators and prolonged the suffering of the Kuki-Zo community.
There is growing concern that the blockade may severely impact the supply of essential commodities, including food, LPG, and medicines to various parts of the state if the deadlock continues.
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