Tangkhul body urges Manipur govt to clear blockade on Imphal-Ukhrul road

Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) on Saturday drew the attention of the Manipur government to clear the blockade on Imphal-Ukhrul road imposed by Kuki Civil Social Organisation (CSO) Working Committee, Ukhrul district.
The Kuki CSOs imposed the indefinite total shutdown along the NH-202 (Imphal-Ukhrul Road) in protest against the recent killing of two Kuki individuals and also demanded the relocation of all Kuki villages in Ukhrul to Kangpokpi district. The TNL strongly opposed the blockade on the road, describing the road as an arterial lifeline for people of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
In a statement, it also described the blockade as “unwarranted and unlawful” while alleging that it was imposed by “self-styled Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul.”
The apex body stated that the road serves as a vital link connecting the region with the rest of the state and that any attempt to block it would severely affect civilians, essential movement, and economic activity.
The body further argued that the bandh call contradicted the position taken by the Supreme Court of India, which has previously held that bandhs violate citizens’ fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, personal liberty, and the right to livelihood, while also causing widespread public and economic disruption.
While urging the state government to intervene immediately to clear the highway and ensure uninterrupted movement, TNL called on authorities to requisition additional security forces and deploy Road Opening Parties (ROP) on a 24-hour basis in sensitive stretches to prevent any obstruction to commuters and transporters.
Further, the apex body of Tangkhul tribe demanded that authorities initiate legal action against the Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul, describing it as an unlawful body, and urged that steps be taken in accordance with the law, including the possibility of banning the organization. The TNL further demanded return of the vehicles and belongings of the 21 civilians seized by Kuki groups while holding them captive.
Apart from detaining the three vehicles the 21 civilians were on board, their belongings including mobile phones were seized by the capturers.
The concerned authorities must take urgent steps to recover the belongings of the civilians and students affected by the incident, the TNL demanded.