A counter-economic blockade and total shutdown imposed along National Highway 202 in Manipur’s Ukhrul district has been lifted following talks between the state government and representatives of the Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul.
The decision to lift the blockade was made after a closed-door meeting between Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas, MLA and State Government Spokesperson Thokchom Radheshyam, and the Kuki CSO Working Committee at Shangkai village in Ukhrul district. The meeting was also attended by ruling legislators, including T Robindro, Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Paonam Brojen, K Robindro, and L Rameshwar Meitei.
As a result of the talks, over 450 trucks that were stranded for nearly a month have begun moving towards Imphal. The truck drivers expressed their gratitude to the state government and the Kuki CSO Working Committee for facilitating the movement of vehicles along NH-202.
The resumption of truck movement is expected to provide relief to drivers who had been stranded for nearly a month and help restore the movement of essential goods in the state. The counter-economic blockade was imposed in response to a selective economic blockade targeting Kuki-Zos by certain Tangkhul and Meitei groups along NH-202.
According to the Kuki CSO Working Committee Ukhrul, the decision to lift the blockade was made after the government delegation assured them that the concerned Tangkhul and Meitei groups had agreed to end the selective economic blockade along NH-202. A handwritten agreement was also executed between the two parties, undertaking responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of NH-202 and preventing any blockade or disturbance by any group.
The Kuki CSO Working Committee Ukhrul commended the government’s intervention and expects the agreement to be implemented in letter and spirit, ensuring that no community is subjected to selective economic restrictions. Normal vehicle movement resumed from 4:30 pm on Tuesday.
