Student body issues 24-hour ultimatumto reopen Imphal–Ukhrul road

The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), a student body based in Ukhrul district, has served a 24-hour ultimatum to the Manipur government demanding the reopening of the Imphal–Ukhrul road (NH-202), which has remained blocked since March 12.
The blockade, enforced by Kuki villagers backed by various Kuki civil society organizations, was imposed in protest against the alleged killing of two Kuki youths who were abducted by armed miscreants at Thawai hill or Mapithel hill range. Their bodies were recovered on March 12.
In a strongly worded statement, TKS expressed “deep dissatisfaction” over the continued disruption of vehicular movement along NH-202, describing the situation as “completely unacceptable” and a direct threat to the survival of over two lakh people who depend on the highway. The student body stressed that the blockade has gravely affected students, patients, traders, government employees, and ordinary commuters who rely on the road for education, healthcare, livelihood, and essential supplies.
TKS questioned how an entire community could be made to suffer due to the aggression of immigrants who had been allowed to stay among them on humanitarian grounds. “Our humanity cannot allow us to continue suffering under such circumstances. The goodwill extended must never be turned into a threat against the very community that offered it,” the statement read.
The student body demanded that the government provide a clear and credible assurance of public safety for all travelers along NH-202 within 24 hours. It warned that failure to act would compel the people to take their own course of democratic action to safeguard their lives and rights. “Any untoward incidents that may arise thereafter shall be the sole responsibility of the state government,” it cautioned.
TKS also urged elected representatives of the region to break their silence and take decisive steps to protect the people, stressing that inaction or ambiguity at such a critical juncture would not be tolerated. Calling for unity and vigilance, the body appealed to the public to remain prepared for democratic mobilization aimed at restoring peace, justice, and safe passage along the highway.
The student body further condemned the recent abduction of 21 passengers along the Imphal–Ukhrul stretch, alleging that the incident occurred in the presence of Central security forces. It said the failure to ensure civilian safety has shaken public confidence and created mistrust towards the security forces responsible for maintaining law and order.
With the ultimatum in place, the situation along NH-202 has become a pressing concern, as the road remains the only lifeline for the Tangkhul community and other inhabitants of the region. The coming hours will determine whether the government takes concrete steps to restore safe and unhindered passage along the vital highway.