Ukhrul: The Kamjong Headquarters Working Committee has issued a rebuttal to the press release issued by the Kuki Women’s Union (KWU), Kamjong District, on May 19.
In the press release issued on May 20, the Kamjong Headquarters Working Committee expressed deep concern over what it calls an incomplete portrayal of the ground situation in Kamjong District.
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“While KWU has raised the issue of movement restriction in the Chassad area, it is equally important to highlight the hardships faced by the people of Kamjong and the Ukhrul district for a long period,” the body said. Further, it highlighted the following:
1. Blockade on National Highway-202: For several months, the people of Kamjong and Ukhrul have been denied free movement from Litan to Mahadev along NH-202. This National Highway is the lifeline and the only major road connecting our district to Imphal, the state capital. Our people depend on the route for medical emergencies, education, official work, business, and essential services. The continued obstruction has caused immense hardship to innocent civilians, students, patients, and daily wage earners.
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2. Principle of reciprocity: The KWU press release mentions the restriction of Kamjong Bazaar. It must be noted that when one community restricts the movement of another on a national highway. It compels affected communities to take reciprocal measures to ensure survival and safety. The people of Kamjong have shown restraint for long, but the continued denial of access to Imphal via NH-202 has forced us to respond similarly.
3. Appeal for equal treatment: We, too, believe that peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and humanity must prevail over hostility. However, peace cannot be one-sided. Free movement must be guaranteed for all communities on all routes- whether it is Tangkhul civilians using Chassad road or Kamjong/Ukhrul civilians using NH-202 via Litan-Mahadev to Imphal.
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4. Request to authorities: We therefore earnestly urge the District Administration, State Government, and Central authorities to immediately intervene and ensure that NH-202 is kept open for all citizens without any obstruction, threat, or illegal obstruction. Only when free movement is restored on NH-202 for the people of Kamjong and Ukhrul can normalcy and equitable access to markets be restored across the district. Selective restriction of movement by any group will only deepen mistrust and aggravate the suffering of innocent people on all sides who depend on these roads for daily survival.