Twilang Kuki CSO body appeals for unhindered civilian, medical movement along IT Road

The Twilang Area Kuki Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Coordinating Media Cell has appealed to Naga brethren and CSOs operating along the Imphal–Tamenglong Road (IT Road) to ensure the unhindered and safe movement of civilians, ambulances, healthcare workers and essential goods amid the prevailing crisis in the area.

In a statement issued after a meeting convened today, the Media Cell said it deliberated on the prevailing situation in Twilang Area, particularly concerns over the denial of basic human rights, restrictions on civilian movement, difficulties in accessing essential healthcare and the humanitarian hardships arising from the circumstances.

The Committee also expressed concern over what it described as the grave and volatile political situation in and around the area. At the same time, it recalled the longstanding history of mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence, social interaction and friendship between the Kuki and Naga communities.

It said preserving and rebuilding this spirit of mutual understanding was essential for creating conditions conducive to the restoration of peace and normalcy.

The Media Cell maintained that the present crisis could be addressed through dialogue, mutual respect, responsible engagement and reconciliation, while taking into account the longstanding ties between the two communities.

As part of its appeal, the Committee urged Naga CSOs along the IT Road to immediately refrain from obstructing or restricting civilian vehicles, particularly those transporting essential goods and people requiring urgent assistance.

It also called for the unhindered and safe passage of ambulances carrying patients requiring emergency medical attention and urged cooperation in ensuring the safe movement of medical personnel, healthcare workers and vehicles engaged in essential medical services.

The Committee further appealed for full cooperation with humanitarian and medical movements, irrespective of community affiliation or identity, and called for effective communication and coordination channels between Kuki stakeholders and CSOs to prevent further misunderstandings and facilitate the restoration of normalcy.

The Media Cell emphasised that every responsible CSO has a fundamental obligation to safeguard the welfare, dignity, safety and basic rights of civilians, saying such responsibility should transcend community, political and other differences.

The Committee said the appeal was made in good faith and expressed the conviction that responsible leadership and constructive engagement by all sides could prevent further civilian suffering and create an environment conducive to peace.

It further stressed that collective responsibility, mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation between Kuki and Naga civil society organisations could contribute to finding a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the ongoing crisis.

“The protection of civilian life, access to essential healthcare, and the unhindered movement of humanitarian services must remain above all differences,” the Committee said.

It concluded its appeal with the call: “Let dialogue prevail over confrontation. Let humanity prevail over division. Let peace and normalcy return to Twilang Area.”