Newmai News Network
Imphal | May 27
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Tengnoupal district on May 27 announced an indefinite economic blockade from May 28, demanding a judicial inquiry into the killing of three Kuki-Zo religious leaders and the immediate release of hostages held amid the ongoing unrest in Manipur.
The blockade is expected to adversely affect movement along the Imphal-Moreh road, a key route connecting the state with the Myanmar border.
In a joint statement, leaders of several organisations, including the Kuki Chiefs Association, Kuki Women Union-Human Rights, Molnoi Area Welfare Council, Hill Tribal Council Moreh and the Kuki Students’ Organisation Tengnoupal district, said the agitation was being launched on behalf of the general public.
The organisations accused the concerned authorities of failing to ensure justice and restore normalcy in the violence-hit state and warned that the blockade would continue until the hostages were safely released and accountability was fixed for the deaths of the religious leaders.
Endorsing the agitation spearheaded by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the Tengnoupal CSOs said the blockade was being enforced in response to what they termed the government’s inability to address the “volatile situation” prevailing in the state.
The organisations demanded an impartial judicial inquiry into the alleged ambush and killing of the three religious leaders from the Kuki-Zo community, whose deaths have reportedly triggered widespread outrage and intensified protests across Kuki-dominated hill districts.
“The economic blockade shall remain in force from May 28, 2026, until justice is delivered and the captured hostages on both sides are safely released,” the statement said.
The organisations further urged the government to act swiftly to secure the release of the captives and ensure justice in order to promote communal harmony in the state.
The announcement of the blockade is expected to severely impact transportation and movement of essential goods along key routes passing through Tengnoupal district, including the strategically important Imphal-Moreh road.
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