Kanggui: The Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills (KISH), the apex body of the Kuki community in Sadar Hills, on Monday extended its full endorsement and solidarity to the ultimatum issued by the Kuki Students’ Organisation Sadar Hills (KSO-SH), Twilang Block, regarding the unrestricted movement of vehicles carrying daily essential commodities to IT Road. In a strongly worded press release issued under No. KI(SH)/PR-21/2026, KISH said the continued restriction has pushed the civilian population of Twilang Area into prolonged hardship and amounts to a violation of fundamental human rights.
According to the statement, essential commodities meant for the people of Twilang Area continue to face restrictions on the number of vehicles permitted to transport such goods from Kangpokpi to IT Road. The Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills said this arbitrary limit on vehicles has caused, and continues to cause, considerable hardship to the residents of Twilang Area, who depend entirely on the timely and adequate supply of daily necessities for their survival and well-being. The organisation noted that Twilang Area, which falls under the interior blocks of Sadar Hills, has limited alternative routes and is heavily dependent on the Kangpokpi-IT Road corridor for food, medicines, fuel and other daily essentials.
Emphasizing the humanitarian dimension of the issue, KISH stated that uninterrupted civilian movement and the free passage of essential goods and commodities are basic humanitarian entitlements, and any restriction thereof amounts to a humanitarian crisis and a violation of the fundamental human rights of the civilian population. The statement further expressed grave concern that this situation has been tolerated for more than 120 days, subjecting the people to prolonged and avoidable hardship, deprivation, and suffering. The apex body said that in a democratic setup, the administration is duty-bound to ensure that citizens are not denied access to life-sustaining goods under any circumstances.
In its charter of demands, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, in full support of the KSO-SH Twilang Block ultimatum, has demanded that all essential commodities meant for Twilang Area be allowed to move from Kangpokpi to IT Road without any restriction or limit on the number of vehicles, on or before 23rd September 2026. The organisation termed the deadline as final and non-negotiable, stating that the patience of the people has already been stretched beyond reasonable limits. It said the supply chain to Twilang should be normalized immediately to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
KISH also made a direct appeal to the District Administration, Kangpokpi, to take immediate and necessary steps to ensure that this basic humanitarian requirement is fulfilled within the stipulated deadline. The organisation asserted that the unhindered movement of essential goods to the civilian population is not a privilege but a fundamental right that must be upheld by the administration without further delay, especially given the prolonged duration for which this crisis has already persisted. It urged the Deputy Commissioner and concerned officials to intervene and issue necessary orders to lift the vehicle cap.
Warning of democratic agitation, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills placed on record that should this demand not be met by 23rd September 2026, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, in solidarity with KSO-SH Twilang Block, will be compelled to take necessary and appropriate forms of protest to ensure that the legitimate needs and rights of the people of Twilang Area are addressed without further delay. Sources in KSO-SH Twilang Block said they had earlier submitted memoranda to the administration highlighting the issue, but no positive action was taken, prompting the ultimatum. The student body had set the same deadline of 23rd September for lifting of restrictions.
KISH said Twilang Block comprises one of the most interior and vulnerable belts of Sadar Hills, covering Bungpi, Phailengmol, Saikul, South-West Sadar Hills and Twilang Blocks, where many villages still face poor road connectivity, limited healthcare facilities and irregular market access. In such a situation, restricting the number of vehicles carrying rice, dal, edible oil, salt, LPG cylinders, medicines and other household items is tantamount to collective punishment of innocent civilians, the statement said. It added that women, children, elderly persons and patients are the worst affected by the irregular supply and price rise caused by the restriction.
The Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills further maintained that peace and stability in the region can only be maintained when the basic rights and humanitarian needs of all communities are respected and protected. It said selective restriction on a particular route that serves predominantly Kuki villages raises serious questions and creates mistrust among the people towards the administration. The organisation called upon all concerned authorities to act impartially and ensure that humanitarian corridors remain open at all times, irrespective of prevailing law and order considerations.
Meanwhile, the KSO-SH Twilang Block has welcomed the endorsement by its apex body. KSO leaders said the restriction on essential commodity vehicles has no justification and must be removed forthwith. They said if the administration fails to comply by 23rd September, they will launch a series of democratic protests along with KISH, including possible shutdown of offices and blocking of administrative routes, to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis. The organisation also appealed to civil society organisations, church leaders and village chiefs to support the cause.
In conclusion, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills expressed hope that the District Administration will act with urgency, sensitivity, and a due sense of responsibility to prevent further deterioration of the situation and to uphold the basic human rights of the affected civilian population. The statement was signed by Thanglenhao Chongloi, Information & Publicity, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills (KISH). The press release has been circulated to all blocks including Bungpi, Phailengmol, Saikul, South-West Sadar Hills and Twilang Block for necessary information and solidarity.
