Manipur: NPO bans commercial vehicles in Kuki areas

Imphal: The Naga People's Organisation (NPO), one of the powerful tribal outfits in this strife state has banned transportation of all commercial vehicles in the Kuki areas in Manipur with immediate effect.

The move they claimed was for the restoration of elusive peace, order, and the safety of all communities.

The ban was issued in response to the seizure of commercial items belonging to a Naga woman from Senapati district by the errant Kuki individuals at the gate of Gamgiphai Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Kangpokpi district on 29, 2024.

A press release issued by Grievances Cell, NPO, stated that the incident took place despite a bilateral agreement with the Kuki bodies that exempts all Naga community members from any form of illegal taxation.

The NPO blamed the Kukis alleging that it was repeated incidents of harassment and unlawful taxation persistently continued, which is a violation of a mutual agreement between the two communities.

"In response and with a deep sense of grievance, the Grievances Cell, NPO is compelled to announce restriction on all forms of commercial vehicular transportation in the Kuki areas with immediate effect," the NPO said.

"This may intensify in due course of time", the NPO warned and added that this measure will remain in effect until the Kuki community issues a sincere apology and commits to upholding the standing agreement in letter and spirit.