Imphal/Ukhrul, August 5 | EKHON: The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has strongly condemned the indefinite total shutdown announced by the Working Committee of Kuki CSO Ukhrul (WCKCSO) along National Highway-202, describing it as “unacceptable” and a direct challenge to what it termed the “absolute rights” of the Tangkhul Nagas.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, TNL said the blockade, which came into effect at 12:00 a.m. on August 5, would adversely affect the movement of people and essential supplies along the Imphal–Ukhrul–Kamjong route. The organisation alleged that since the outbreak of violence on February 7, 2026, movement along the highway has been severely disrupted.
The Tangkhul body accused WCKCSO of imposing a blanket blockade on the Tangkhul community while pursuing demands directed at the State Government. It asserted that the shutdown unfairly targeted Tangkhul Nagas despite, according to the organisation, the community being affected by the ongoing conflict.
The TNL further alleged that the present crisis was initiated by Kuki groups and criticised WCKCSO for holding other communities responsible for the hardships arising from the conflict. The organisation also rejected WCKCSO’s justification for the blockade, including its reported statement that “You choose selective humanity. We choose selective reciprocity. You block our food; we block yours,” describing the remarks as inappropriate and inflammatory.
In its statement, TNL made a series of allegations against Kuki groups, accusing them of involvement in acts of violence and other criminal activities during the conflict. These allegations could not be independently verified.
The organisation also questioned the authority exercised by Kuki civil society organisations in regulating movement along the highway, particularly the reported issuance of special permissions for safe passage to certain government agencies. TNL urged the State Government, led by Chief Minister Thokchom Khemchand Singh, to clarify its position and ensure the rule of law. It also called on the government to address the blockade and restore normal movement along National Highway-202.
