Manipur: Kuki group withdraws NH-202 free movement assurance in Ukhrul

Guwahati: The Kuki CSO Working Committee (WCKCSOs) in Manipur's Ukhrul district has withdrawn its earlier assurance of allowing unrestricted movement on National Highway-202, with immediate effect, citing the ongoing blockade at Wunghon.

In its April 11 statement, the organisation said the situation involves what it termed serious humanitarian concerns, claiming that certain restrictions attributed to a group of Tangkhul women have disrupted the supply of essential goods, including food items, to Kuki-populated areas, worsening living conditions in the hill districts of Manipur.

The committee maintained that its position is guided by principles of fairness, justice, and humanitarian concern. It also rejected allegations that Kuki groups were responsible for restricting movement on NH-202, calling such claims incorrect and misleading.

Stating that the situation has reached a breaking point and noting the absence of any response to its April 7 deadline, the group said it can no longer take responsibility for conditions along the highway. It further added that from April 12 onwards, no Kuki organisation, volunteer, or individual should be held accountable for any untoward incidents along the Litan–Sareikhong to Mongneljang stretch of NH-202.

The committee described its decision as unavoidable, adding that repeated appeals had gone unaddressed, and warned that the authorities would be responsible if the situation worsens further.

In a separate statement, the organisation referred to the delayed response of security forces to recent firing incidents, describing it as “better late than never”. It also raised concerns over the alleged use of “supersonic ammunition” by suspected Tangkhul militants, claiming it creates misleading sound effects that could lead to confusion during such incidents.

The group cited recent violence in which two civilians were killed in Thawai Kuki, three others were injured in Mongkot Chepu, and a BSF personnel lost his life. It said these incidents indicate the need for proper verification of the source of gunfire before any action is taken.

Appealing for calm, the committee urged all sides to act with reason and restraint, stressing the importance of truth and peace over misinformation and hostility.