UKHRUL: The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WKCKCSOs), Ukhrul, on Wednesday alleged that vehicles carrying essential commodities to Kuki-Zo inhabited areas in Ukhrul have continued to face obstruction and harassment, and warned of collective action if authorities fail to intervene before July 24.
The Kuki CSOs in a statement issued on Wednesday said it had received multiple reports that vehicles transporting essential supplies were being tracked, intercepted and obstructed. It alleged that transporters carrying goods to Kuki-Zo areas were being singled out and targeted.
The WKCKCSOs also claimed to have received reports of physical assaults on drivers transporting essential commodities, saying the incidents had disrupted the movement of supplies and created fear among transporters.
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WKCKCSOs alleged that the incidents continued despite the presence of police personnel, particularly in areas under Litan, Yaingangpokpi and Lamlai police stations. It questioned the neutrality of law enforcement agencies and urged the authorities to ensure the unhindered movement of essential commodities.
It further alleged that while the government provides security escorts for essential commodities destined for two major communities in the state, similar protection has not been extended to the Kuki-Zo community. It described the alleged disparity as discriminatory and called for equal protection.
The statement said WKCKCSOs, in consultation with Kuki Civil Society Organisations of Kangpokpi, will convene a joint meeting of Kuki-Zo civil society organisations from Ukhrul and Kangpokpi on July 24 to review the situation and decide on further steps.
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While it appealed to the district administrations of Ukhrul, Imphal East and Kangpokpi to take immediate measures to ensure the free movement of essential commodities and protect transporters before the proposed meeting, the WKCKCSOs said it remains committed to a peaceful and lawful resolution but warned that it would no longer accept what it described as official inaction.
