Several civil society organizations from the Kuki-Zo community submitted a joint memorandum to the Superintendent of Police in Kangpokpi District, demanding the immediate lifting of a blockade allegedly imposed by Liangmei Naga groups on the Churachandpur–Kangpokpi route. The blockade is described as an “uncalled and deliberate disruption” of the only lifeline connecting Kuki-Zo inhabited areas. The signatories, including Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills (KISH), SAHILCA, Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Thadou Inpi, Gangte Tribal Union (GTU), Vaiphei People’s Council (VPC), and Kuki Women Union–Sadar Hills (KWU-SH), warned that lingering obstruction could provoke serious public unrest in the already volatile region.
The memorandum outlines the context of ongoing ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, which has limited connectivity for the geographically isolated Kuki-Zo regions. The organizations assert that any blockade poses a direct threat to their survival, safety, and dignity. They contend that the ethnic conflict involving the majority Meitei/Meetei community and the minority Kuki-Zo is being manipulated by certain groups not involved in the conflict, specifically accusing some Liangmei Naga groups of acting as “frontal entities” to propagate negative narratives about the Kuki-Zo community.
Highlighting recent provocations, the memorandum cites the January 8 bombing of Kharam Vaiphei village, attributed to illegal farming and drug-related charges, and travel restrictions at Ireng Naga village on January 12 as incidents designed to escalate tensions. The Kuki-Zo organizations voiced alarm regarding unverified claims labeling Kuki-Zo village volunteers as insurgents, which they believe have empowered armed groups like the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and Foothills Naga groups to intimidate and threaten civilians.
Describing the blockade as “inhumane and unlawful,” they emphasized that failure to restore the normal flow of movement would provoke public outrage within their community. The memorandum, submitted on January 13, represents one of the strongest coordinated responses by Kuki-Zo civil organizations against the road blockades amid the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur, holding authorities responsible for any negative consequences if prompt action is not taken.