The Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (VVEZ) on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Zingsho Katamnao Long (ZKL), demanding the immediate withdrawal of its declaration imposing an “indefinite economic embargo” on Kuki inhabitants of Chassad village in Kamjong district.
The Zingsho Katamnao Long (ZKL), a Kamjong-based students’ body imposed an indefinite economic embargo on Kuki residents of Chassad village, effective from 5 pm, Thursday, March 26.
The move, according to the ZKL, follows the alleged failure of the Chassad Youth Club to withdraw an earlier statement and issue an unconditional apology, despite a prior notice by the union.
The Village Volunteers Eastern Zone termed the embargo as “wholly unjustifiable, inhumane, and contrary to the principles of peaceful coexistence,” asserting that the move unfairly targets innocent civilians and risks further destabilising an already fragile situation.
The organisation expressed “unequivocal disapproval” of the ZKL’s decision, stating that punitive measures imposed by a students’ body were “deeply regrettable and highly condemnable,” particularly in light of what it described as the Kuki community’s consistent stance of non-hostility towards neighbouring communities.
Warning of imminent countermeasures, VVEZ said that failure by ZKL to revoke the embargo within 24 hours of the issuance of the statement would compel it to undertake “appropriate and proportionate” action. These measures could include restrictions on the movement of members of the Tangkhul community along key routes, specifically the Yairipok–Ukhrul road via Sangshak.
The group further made it clear that any fallout arising from such actions would rest “entirely and solely” with ZKL.
The development signals possibility of the situation spiralling further if immediate intervention is not undertaken.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
