Ukhrul, Aug 3, 2026: The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul (WCKCSOs-Ukhrul) has issued a strong clarification and a 48-hour ultimatum to the Government over the ongoing selective economic blockade against the Kuki people of Ukhrul district.
In a press statement issued by its Department of Information and Media on Saturday, Ref No. WC/PR73/08/26, the committee categorically stated that its ongoing Counter Economic Blockade has no connection whatsoever with the United Naga Council’s (UNC) blockade on NH-02.
The WCKCSOs-Ukhrul said its agitation is a direct response to the selective economic blockade allegedly imposed by certain Tangkhul and Meitei groups at Seijang, Yaingangpokpi, Wunghon, and Sokvao along NH-202, which has deliberately obstructed the movement of essential commodities meant for the Kuki people of Ukhrul.
Clarifying the difference between the two blockades, the committee stated that while the UNC’s blockade seeks justice for the six slain Zeliangrong men, the WCKCSOs-Ukhrul’s Counter Economic Blockade demands equal dignity, equal survival, and an end to discriminatory restrictions on the Kuki people.
“A highway cannot be a lifeline for one people and a blockade for another. NH-202 cannot continue to serve the rest of Manipur while denying the Kuki people access to life’s essentials,” the statement read.
The committee urged the Government not to conflate its agitation with the UNC’s blockade or any ongoing peace talks, stating that this is a separate humanitarian issue requiring independent, immediate, and result-oriented intervention.
Expressing disappointment over the Government’s inaction, the WCKCSOs-Ukhrul said that despite one week of peaceful and democratic agitation, the Government has failed to initiate any meaningful dialogue or take concrete steps to end the selective blockade.
Therefore, the committee has issued a 48-hour ultimatum, effective from 12:00 AM on 03/08/2026 to 12:00 AM on 05/08/2026.
It warned that if the Government fails within this period to separately, directly, and effectively end the selective economic blockade against the Kuki people of Ukhrul, it shall be compelled to enforce a Total Shutdown with effect from 12:00 AM on 05/08/2026.
“No democracy can expect one community to keep its roads open for all while its own people are selectively deprived of food and essential commodities. Our months of restraint and one week of peaceful democratic agitation must not be mistaken for weakness,” the committee asserted.
The statement concluded that the Government now faces a clear choice: end the selective economic blockade against the Kuki people of Ukhrul without delay, or bear sole responsibility for the consequences of its continued inaction.
