Imphal: The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) has urged the Manipur government to take immediate steps to end the ongoing economic blockade affecting Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas, alleging inaction and calling for the restoration of the free movement of essential supplies.
In a press release issued on July 20, KOHUR criticised what it described as the “continued silence and inaction” of the State Home Minister over the blockade allegedly imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) on key routes serving Kuki-Zo communities.
The rights body alleged that the blockade has disrupted the supply of essential commodities, fuel and medicines, leading to shortages and rising prices in the affected areas. It also claimed that patients requiring urgent medical referrals have been stranded, while schoolchildren, elderly people and internally displaced persons (IDP) have been among those worst affected.
KOHUR argued that economic blockades amount to collective punishment and cited Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life. It also referred to Supreme Court observations that public highways should remain free from obstruction and that governments have a responsibility to ensure their uninterrupted use.
The organisation further alleged that the government’s response reflected a pattern of institutional bias, claiming that blockades involving other communities had received swifter intervention in the past.
KOHUR called on the State Home Minister to publicly condemn the blockade and clarify the government’s action plan to end it. It also urged the state government to clear all obstructed highways immediately and ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential commodities to all districts without discrimination.
The economic blockade remains a contentious issue in Manipur, with competing groups trading allegations over disruptions to transport routes and access to essential supplies. The state government has maintained that efforts are underway to maintain law and order and facilitate the movement of essential goods.