The warning comes amid an acute humanitarian crisis in Kangpokpi district, where prolonged blockades have triggered severe shortages of food, fuel, LPG, medicines and other essential commodities, sending prices soaring.
BY PC Bureau
July 23, 2026: The Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Working Committee, Ukhrul, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the district administrations of Imphal East, Kangpokpi and Ukhrul, demanding an immediate halt to the alleged seizure and destruction of essential commodities being transported to Kuki-Zo inhabited areas. The group warned that failure to act would result in a three-day counter-economic blockade beginning at midnight on July 23.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Working Committee accused authorities of failing to prevent repeated attacks on relief supplies despite assurances given during a meeting with the Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner on June 25.
The organisation alleged that consignments carrying food, fuel and other essential items were intercepted and destroyed at Wunghon, Saijang and, most recently, Sokvao, claiming that members of Meitei and Tangkhul groups, allegedly aided by local police personnel, confiscated and burned goods intended for Kuki-Zo communities.
“The continued targeting of essential supplies despite repeated assurances has become unacceptable. If the authorities fail to ensure safe passage of goods within 24 hours, we will be compelled to launch a strict three-day counter-economic blockade,” the statement said.
NH-02 Blockade Chokes Supplies
The latest warning comes amid an ongoing blockade of National Highway-2 (NH-02), one of Manipur’s principal supply routes, which has remained disrupted for nearly a month following escalating tensions between Naga and Kuki groups.
According to Kuki organisations, blockades at Senapati and Kanglatombi have virtually cut off road access to Kuki-Zo areas, forcing transporters to rely on the longer NH-202 route. Even escorted convoys using this alternative road have reportedly been stopped, with goods allegedly seized or destroyed.
The Working Committee claimed that essential commodities worth nearly ₹10 lakh had been lost in recent incidents.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The prolonged disruption of supply lines has triggered an acute humanitarian crisis in Kangpokpi district, where residents are grappling with soaring prices, fuel shortages and dwindling food stocks.
According to local residents and civil society groups:
- LPG cylinders, normally sold at subsidised rates, are reportedly being sold on the black market for ₹3,500 to ₹6,000, forcing many households to switch to firewood despite erratic electricity supply.
- A 50-kg bag of rice, which earlier cost between ₹1,400 and ₹1,700, is now selling for ₹3,000 to ₹4,000.
- Petrol and diesel are reportedly being sold for ₹230 to ₹300 per litre in bottles wherever available.
- Stocks of medicines, cooking oil, salt, sugar, onions, potatoes and other daily essentials have sharply declined, leaving shops with limited inventory.
Residents say the shortages have affected schools, hospitals, businesses and relief camps housing displaced families.
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Communities Beyond Kuki-Zo Also Affected
While the Kuki-Zo community has borne the brunt of the supply disruption, local organisations say the crisis has also affected Gorkha, Poumei, Thangal and other communities living in Kangpokpi district.
Relief camps sheltering internally displaced persons are reportedly facing severe shortages of food, medicines and cooking fuel, raising concerns about deteriorating health conditions and malnutrition.
Civil society organisations have described the situation as a full-fledged humanitarian emergency requiring immediate intervention by both the Manipur government and the Centre.
The present blockade is rooted in renewed tensions between Naga and Kuki organisations following the killing of six Naga civilians in May, an incident that sparked widespread protests and demands for justice.
Several Naga organisations subsequently enforced economic blockades on key highways, alleging inadequate action by the authorities.
Kuki groups, meanwhile, have accused the government of failing to ensure free movement of essential commodities to Kuki-Zo areas and of displaying bias in implementing security measures.
The Kuki CSOs said they had exercised “maximum restraint” despite repeated provocations but warned that continued obstruction of supplies could no longer be tolerated.
Authorities Yet to Respond
As of Thursday evening, neither the Manipur government nor the district administrations concerned had issued a detailed public response to the ultimatum.
Security agencies are closely monitoring the situation amid fears that a counter-blockade could further disrupt movement across the hill districts, aggravate shortages and deepen the humanitarian crisis in the violence-hit state.
With the 24-hour deadline approaching, concerns are mounting that fresh blockades could intensify tensions and further complicate efforts to restore normalcy in Manipur.
