Ukhrul, July 26, 2026: The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul (WCKCSOs-Ukhrul) has announced a Counter Economic Blockade on National Highway-202 (NH-202)* with effect from midnight of 26 July 2026, stating that the decision was not born out of choice but out of compulsion.
In a press release issued today vide No. WCKCSOs/PR69/07/26, the Committee said that for months, the Kuki people of Ukhrul, Kamjong and Kangpokpi districts have endured continued obstruction of essential commodities while the Government watched in silence.
According to the statement, the Kuki civil society had submitted memoranda, held meetings, accepted assurances and exercised maximum restraint, giving the authorities every opportunity to act. However, every promise faded into empty words while the people continued to bear the consequences.
The Committee stated that having exhausted every peaceful avenue, and after a series of consultations with Kuki Civil Society Organisations of Ukhrul and Kangpokpi, it had unanimously resolved in its meeting held on 26 July 2026 to enforce the Counter Economic Blockade. The blockade will remain in force until the Government ensures the free movement of essential commodities through concrete action, not mere assurances.
Clarifying the nature of the blockade, the WCKCSOs said that during the blockade period, medical emergencies, passenger vehicles, travellers proceeding to catch flights, and Security Forces shall be allowed after due inspection to ensure that no goods are transported. However, all government and private institutions within the jurisdiction of the 14 Kuki villages shall remain closed until further notice.
“We deeply regret the inconvenience this decision may cause. However, a people denied their basic necessities cannot be expected to remain silent indefinitely. The responsibility for this situation rests solely with the authorities whose prolonged inaction has left us with no option but to resort to this democratic form of protest,” the statement read.
The Committee further urged all Kuki blockade enforcers to remain vigilant and come fully prepared, alleging that past experience has shown that the Governments of Manipur and India invoke the full might of the State only when the Kuki people demand justice through democratic means, while displaying remarkable indifference towards similar blockades enforced by Meitei and Naga groups.
The press release was issued by the Department of Information and Media, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul.
