The Kuki CSO Working Committee Ukhrul on Sunday issued a clarification regarding the ongoing “Counter Economic Blockade” and has given 48 hours of ultimatum to the Government to end the impasse. Failure will invite a “Total Shutdown” along National Highway 202, with effect from 12:00AM of 05 August 2026.
The statement reads ‘the WCKCSOs-Ukhrul categorically clarifies that the ongoing Counter Economic Blockade has no connection whatsoever with the UNC’s blockade on NH-02. Our agitation is a direct response to the selective economic blockade 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-Zo people of Ukhrul.
The UNC’s blockade seeks justice for the six slain Zeliangrong men. In contrast, the WCKCSOs-Ukhrul’s Counter Economic Blockade demands equal dignity, equal survival, and an end to discriminatory restrictions on the Kuki-Zo 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-Zo people access to life’s essentials.
The Government must not conflate our agitation with the UNC’s blockade or any ongoing peace talks. This is a separate humanitarian issue requiring independent, immediate, and result-oriented intervention.
Despite one week of a peaceful and democratic agitation, the Government has failed to initiate any meaningful dialogue or take concrete steps to end the selective blockade. Therefore, the WCKCSOs-Ukhrul hereby issues a 48-hour ultimatum, effective from 12:00 AM on 3 August 2026 to 12:00 AM on 5 August 2026.
If the Government fails within this period to separately, directly, and effectively end the selective economic blockade against the Kuki-Zo people of Ukhrul, the WCKCSOs-Ukhrul 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 Government now faces a clear choice, end the selective economic blockade against the Kuki-Zo people of Ukhrul without delay, or bear sole responsibility for the consequences of its continued inaction” added the statement issued by the Department of Information and Media WCKCSOs-Ukhrul
