UKHRUL: Kuki women under the banner of the Kuki Women Union (KWU), Ukhrul, on Saturday launched a sit-in protest at Shangkhai, Ukhrul district, highlighting what they described as a humanitarian access crisis affecting Kuki communities in the district.
The protest is being held under the aegis of the Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations, Ukhrul (WCKCSOs). Organisers said the agitation seeks intervention from the district administration to address difficulties faced by Kuki residents in accessing essential services and movement within the district.
According to the organisers, the sit-in protest will continue until the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Ukhrul, Uppuluri Chaitanya, IAS, meets the protesting women and provides a response along with what they termed a permanent solution to the issues raised.
Participants gathered at the protest site carrying placards such as “Escorting food for Tangkhuls, silence for Kuki-Zo”; “A DC serves every citizen, not selective citizens”; “Let the government act without bias”, among others, and voicing concerns over the humanitarian situation faced by Kuki-Zo people in the district. The organisers maintained that the demonstration is peaceful and intended to draw the attention of the authorities to their grievances.
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It may also be noted that on June 19, three Tangkhul Naga civilians were allegedly detained by Kuki volunteers at Mongkot Chepu in Ukhrul district. The individuals, identified as Masingleng Vashum, Wungpam Vashum and Ringso Vashum, all residents of New Tusom village, were reportedly travelling to Imphal in an Alto car when they were intercepted along the highway. Following information received about the incident, the Officer-in-Charge of Litan Police Station, along with his team, promptly intervened and secured the release of the three individuals. They were subsequently escorted to safety by the police on Friday.
