The Kuki CSO Working Committee -Ukhrul, hereby informs the public that it has temporarily withdrawn the peaceful sit-in protest at Shangkai with immediate effect after a verbal assurance from the District Administration. The Kuki CSO Working Committee -Ukhrul expect the District Administration to convene a closed-door meeting within three days to finalise a written agreement guaranteeing the free and unhindered transportation of essential commodities for the Kuki community through Ukhrul District.
According to the statement issued by the Kuki CSO Working Committee -Ukhrul “the protest was launched following the District Administration’s failure to respond within the stipulated deadline to the memorandum submitted by WCKCSOs-Ukhrul regarding the continued obstruction of essential commodities meant for Kuki civilians, including the confiscation of goods on 15 June 2026. The peaceful agitation continued from 20th June to 24th June 2026, reflecting the community’s unwavering commitment to democratic means despite persistent hardships and administrative negligence.
“While no written agreement has yet been reached, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul has, in good faith, decided to temporarily withdraw the protest in view of the District Commissioner’s verbal assurance and the positive initiative shown by his office towards resolving the issue. This decision is an opportunity extended to the District Administration to demonstrate its commitment through concrete action and must not be misconstrued as a settlement of the matter.”
The statement further added “it is, however, deeply disturbing that despite five consecutive days of peaceful protest, another consignment of essential goods destined for Kuki civilians was reportedly confiscated on 23th June 2026 by personnel of Yaingangpokpi Police Station. It has further been reported that the police station, under the Officer-in-Charge from the Tangkhul community, has been aiding the actions of Tangkhul civil society organisations and mobs in obstructing the movement of essential goods. Such reports cast serious doubt on the neutrality of law enforcement and further reinforce the necessity of a clear, written and enforceable resolution.
“WCKCSOs-Ukhrul now expects the District Administration to convene a closed-door meeting within three (3) days (25/06/26 to 27/06/26) to finalise a written agreement guaranteeing the free and unhindered transportation of essential commodities for the Kuki community through Ukhrul District.
“Should the District Administration fail to honour this expectation within the stipulated timeframe, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul shall entrust the matter to the public. The people shall then be free to undertake any form of agitation they deem appropriate in defence of their constitutional rights and legitimate interests.
“WCKCSOs-Ukhrul wishes to place on record that it has exercised maximum restraint and exhausted every available democratic avenue. Therefore, any consequence arising out of the authorities’ failure to resolve this issue shall rest solely upon the District Administration, Ukhrul, and the Government of Manipur. They shall bear full responsibility for any ensuing public agitation, disruption of law and order, or any untoward situation resulting from their inaction” stated the statement issued by the Department of Information and Media WCKCSOS-Ukhrul.
