Tribal committee lists NH-202, NH-2, inter-village routes under blockade; cites denial of PDS, Mid-Day Meal supplies to Kangpokpi; seeks probe by NHRC, NCST*
By Lulun Haokip, Kikiland Express
New Delhi, June 18, 2026: The Committee on Protection of Tribal Areas, Manipur – Kuki Hills (COPTAM-KH) on Tuesday condemned what it called continuing “alleged economic blockades and systematic obstruction of humanitarian access” affecting Kuki-inhabited areas since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on 3 May 2023. In a press statement issued from New Delhi, the committee said the alleged denial of unhindered access to essential commodities, public welfare schemes and humanitarian aid has “significantly exacerbated the humanitarian crisis” facing thousands of Kuki civilians, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
Routes allegedly under blockade
COPTAM-KH stated that information received by it indicates several strategic national highways and humanitarian road corridors have been subjected to prolonged blockades. These allegedly include:
- NH-202 (Imphal–Kamjong Road): At Lambui in Ukhrul District; Shangsak, Fin Conel, Chatric, Kongkan, and Nampisha in Kamjong District; and Wunghon, between Mayophung and Yaingangpokpi Police Station, Kangpokpi District.
- Senapati–Ukhrul Road: At Tului, Kachiphung, and Hungdung in Ukhrul District.
- NH-2 (Imphal–Dimapur Road): At T. Khullen, Namdilon/Kanglatongbi, and Taphou Naga.
- Inter-village corridors: Through Makhan Village and Ireng Naga in Kangpokpi District, Dolang in Noney District, and Kanto Sabal in Imphal West District.
- Key Imphal corridors: Imphal–Pallel, Imphal–Sekmai, Imphal–Kangvai, Imphal–Yaingangpokpi, and Imphal–New Keithelmanbi roads.
The committee said these alleged restrictions have impeded free movement of civilians, ambulances, emergency medical personnel, humanitarian agencies and relief convoys. Transportation of food grains, medicines, fuel, drinking water, educational materials and other essentials has been disrupted, it added, further isolating thousands of displaced Kuki civilians in relief camps and remote villages.
Allegations on PDS supplies
COPTAM-KH also raised “grave concern” over the functioning of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) Godown at Ningthoupham, Kangpokpi District. It alleged that food grains and essential commodities allocated for Kangpokpi District were withheld or restricted, while supplies intended for Senapati District were released. This included food grains earmarked under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme for schoolchildren, the statement claimed. If substantiated through an independent and impartial investigation, such actions would constitute a “serious denial of statutory food security entitlements and public welfare benefits,” worsening humanitarian distress, it said.
Impact on civilians
The cumulative impact of the alleged blockades, restrictions on humanitarian corridors, and interference with welfare supply chains has had “severe humanitarian consequences,” COPTAM-KH stated. Thousands of civilians have reportedly faced shortages of food, medicines, fuel and drinking water. The restrictions have disrupted healthcare and education, undermined livelihoods and commercial activities, interrupted statutory welfare programmes, and intensified food insecurity and human suffering among Kuki communities.
Constitutional rights invoked
The committee emphasized that obstruction of humanitarian assistance, denial of essential commodities, and interference with statutory welfare programmes, if substantiated, are “incompatible with the constitutional guarantees of equality before the law, freedom of movement, and the right to life and dignity.” Every citizen, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or place of residence, is entitled to equal protection and equal access to humanitarian aid, food security, healthcare and education under the Constitution of India, it said.
Five-point demand to Centre
COPTAM-KH has called upon the Government of India, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and all other competent constitutional and statutory authorities to:
- Institute an independent, impartial, and time-bound investigation into the alleged economic blockades, obstruction of humanitarian access, and disruption of public welfare supply chains affecting Kuki communities.
- Ensure the immediate restoration, protection, and uninterrupted operation of all national highways, inter-village roads, and humanitarian corridors serving Kuki-inhabited areas.
- Guarantee the free, safe, and equitable transportation and distribution of food grains, medicines, fuel, educational materials, and other essentials, including supplies under the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
- Take appropriate legal, administrative, and disciplinary action, in accordance with law, against all individuals and organisations found responsible for unlawfully obstructing humanitarian relief, restricting essential supplies, or interfering with statutory welfare programmes.
- Ensure adequate security and unhindered access for humanitarian workers, healthcare personnel, relief agencies, transporters, and civilians travelling on all affected highways and humanitarian corridors.
COPTAM-KH reiterated that humanitarian assistance “must never be obstructed, discriminated against, or weaponised against any civilian population.” The protection of civilian lives, uninterrupted delivery of relief, and equitable implementation of welfare schemes are “fundamental obligations of every democratic government governed by the rule of law,” it said. The committee urged the Union Government and competent authorities to take “immediate and effective measures” to restore humanitarian access, safeguard constitutional rights, ensure uninterrupted distribution of essentials and welfare entitlements, and ensure accountability through due process of law for any violations established by an independent investigation.
The press statement was issued by the Media and Publicity Wing, Committee on Protection of Tribal Areas, Manipur – Kuki Hills (COPTAM-KH). Head Office: KIM Administrative Office, Tuibong Sub-Division, CCPUR District-795128.
