Imphal: The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WKCKCSOs) in Ukhrul has issued an ultimatum to the district administrations, alleging that drivers transporting essential commodities to Kuki-Zo inhabited areas continue to face obstruction, surveillance, and physical attacks.
In a statement, the committee said such incidents have persisted despite the deployment of police personnel at Litan, Yaingangpokpi, and Lamlai. It questioned the impartiality of law enforcement agencies, alleging that authorities have failed to ensure the safe movement of vehicles carrying essential supplies to Kuki-Zo areas.
The WKCKCSOs also alleged unequal treatment in the provision of security escorts. While the government reportedly provides protection for the transportation of essential commodities to two other major communities in the state, similar security arrangements have not been extended to the Kuki-Zo community. The committee described the alleged disparity as discriminatory.
Expressing concern over the safety of transporters, the committee urged the district administrations of Ukhrul, Imphal East, and Kangpokpi to take immediate steps to ensure the free and secure movement of essential goods. It further announced that, in consultation with Kuki civil society organisations in Kangpokpi, a joint meeting will be held on July 24 to assess the situation and decide on further action if their demands remain unaddressed.
The statement comes amid continuing disruptions to the supply of essential commodities to Kuki-Zo majority areas. Economic blockades along National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) and National Highway-37 (Imphal–Silchar), reportedly enforced by Naga civil society groups and Foothills Naga committees, have significantly affected the movement of food, fuel, medicines, and other essential goods.
According to the groups enforcing the blockades, the protests are linked to demands for justice over the alleged killing of Naga civilians by Kuki armed cadres and concerns over territorial and movement-related issues affecting Naga communities.
The prolonged restrictions have severely impacted supply lines to districts such as Kangpokpi, with both communities accusing each other of using economic blockades and counter-blockades as pressure tactics, further intensifying tensions in the state.