UKHRUL, AUGUST 11: The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul, on Tuesday lifted its counter economic blockade and total shutdown along parts of the National Highway-202, between Shangkai and Mongkot Chepu Kuki villages, after the Manipur government assured it would remain open for free movement of essential commodities.
The blockade was lifted at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, the committee said in a statement.
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The counter economic blockade was imposed on July 27 and intensified into a total shutdown from August 5. The Kuki CSO Working Committee said the action was taken in response to a selective economic blockade targeting Kuki-Zos along NH-202 by certain Tangkhul and Meitei groups.
The decision followed a meeting at Shangkai on Tuesday afternoon between the committee and a government delegation led by home minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs and government spokesperson Thokchom Radhe Shyam.
According to the Kuki CSO Working Committee, the government delegation said an agreement had been reached between the concerned Tangkhul and Meitei groups to end the blockade against “Kuki-Zos” along NH-202.
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The Kuki CSO Working Committee also said a handwritten agreement was also signed with the government representatives, with the latter taking responsibility for the safety and security of NH-202 and preventing any group from blocking or disturbing movement along the highway.
The WC said it decided to lift the blockade following the government’s assurance of free and non-discriminatory movement of essential commodities. It welcomed the government’s intervention and said it expected the agreement to be implemented in letter and spirit.
