IMPHAL: Indefinite economic blockade beginning May 28 under the banner of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Tengnoupal district has been announced today, demanding a judicial inquiry into the killing of three “Kuki-Zo religious leaders” and the immediate release of hostages held amid the ongoing unrest. This blockade will adversely affect Imphal-Moreh (bordering Myanmar) road.
A joint statement signed by leaders of influential bodies in Tengnoupal district, including the Kuki Chiefs Association, Kuki Women Union-Human Rights, Molnoi Area Welfare Council, Hill Tribal Council Moreh, and the Kuki Students’ Organisation Tengnoupal district, said they are doing this on behalf of the general public. These organisations then accused the concerned authorities of failing to ensure justice and restore normalcy in the violence-hit state, warning that the blockade would continue until the hostages are safely released and accountability is fixed for the deaths of the church leaders.
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Endorsing the agitation spearheaded by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the Tengnoupal CSOs stated that the blockade was being enforced in response to what they described as the government’s inability to address the “volatile situation” prevailing in the state.
The organisations demanded an “impartial judicial inquiry” into the alleged ambush and killing of the three religious leaders from the Kuki-Zo community, whose deaths have triggered widespread outrage and intensified protests across Kuki-dominated hill districts.
“The economic blockade shall remain in force from May 28, 2026, until justice is delivered and the captured hostages on both sides are safely released,” the statement said.
The statement further urged the government to act swiftly to secure the release of the captives and ensure justice in order to “promote communal harmony in the state,” even as tensions continue to spiral in several districts.
The announcement of the blockade is expected to severely impact transportation and the movement of essential goods along key routes passing through Tengnoupal district, including the strategically vital Imphal-Moreh road.
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