The Kuki CSO Working Committee (WCKCSOs), Ukhrul, on Tuesday issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Tangkhul civil society organisations demanding the immediate lifting of what it termed a “silent but deliberate economic blockade” on National Highway-202, even as it strongly opposed a reported administrative move to launch an operation against Mongkot Chepu village.
The committee alleged that for nearly two months, traders carrying essential commodities to Kuki-inhabited areas in Ukhrul district have been stopped at Wunghon under Litan Police Station and subjected to “selective restrictions,” while goods meant for Tangkhul areas were allowed unhindered passage.
Calling the situation “discriminatory and unjust,” the WCKCSOs said repeated complaints to the authorities, including Litan Police Station, had failed to yield any result, emboldening such practices.
The organisation further alleged a “stark double standard” in enforcement, claiming that while villagers from Sinaikheti were escorted under heavy security for shopping on April 2, armed groups continued to target Kuki commuters travelling to and from Saikul. It added that hundreds of vehicles have remained stranded in Tingbupung and Leplen since April 6, exacerbating the crisis.
“Enough is enough. When justice is denied and silence prevails, restraint must give way to resolve,” the statement said, warning that failure to lift the restrictions within 72 hours—from April 8 to April 10—would lead to a complete shutdown of NH-202.
“The choice is stark—restore free movement of goods or face total disruption. The onus for any escalation will lie on those ignoring this ultimatum,” it added.
In a separate clarification, the committee addressed the recent violence in Mongkot Chepu village, asserting that the April 6 incident involved a “sustained attack” by Tangkhul militants positioned in fortified bunkers across surrounding areas.
According to the statement, explosives and gunfire struck residential zones, triggering panic among civilians, particularly women, children and the elderly. It claimed that the village was effectively placed “under siege,” with daily life severely disrupted.
The situation allegedly escalated further when projectiles reportedly fired by Manipur Police personnel sparked a forest fire near the village cemetery, forcing residents to simultaneously battle flames and seek shelter from gunfire.
The WCKCSOs maintained that the villagers’ response was “purely defensive” and denied any intent to provoke or escalate violence. It also clarified that the temporary halting of a vehicle carrying the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district was a precautionary measure amid chaos and not a targeted act.
Raising serious concerns over a reported decision to initiate an operation against Mongkot Chepu, the committee termed the move “deeply concerning and unjustified,” warning that it could further endanger civilians already facing sustained threats.
The organisation urged the district administration and the Manipur government to immediately halt any such operation, ensure protection of civilians without discrimination, and institute an independent and impartial inquiry into the incidents, including the origin of the attacks.
It also called for responsible and rational decision-making, along with meaningful dialogue with community representatives to de-escalate tensions and restore peace.
“The people of Mongkot Chepu seek security, dignity and justice. Any action disregarding these fundamental rights risks deepening divisions and worsening the situation,” the statement added.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
