Imphal, July 8: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, has submitted a memorandum to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, alleging an "unconstitutional blockade of livelihood" in Kangpokpi and seeking the immediate restoration of the supply chain of essential commodities along National Highway-2, besides calling for major police reforms in the district.
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| The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, has submitted a memorandum to the Governor seeking an end to the alleged "unconstitutional blockade of livelihood" in Kangpokpi, restoration of NH-2 supply routes, and police reforms in the district. (File Photo) |
In the memorandum, CoTU urged the Governor to ensure the immediate resumption of the normal supply of food items, medicines and other essential commodities to Kangpokpi, claiming that the district has faced shortages for over a month due to disruptions on routes from Imphal via NH-2 and Dimapur through Taphou Naga.
The organisation said the continued disruption has severely affected the livelihoods of people in Kangpokpi, home to approximately 1.95 lakh residents, including the Kuki-Zo, Gorkha, Poumei and Thangal communities. It alleged that despite repeated meetings with the district administration and security forces, no effective steps have been taken to end what it described as the "unconstitutional blockade of livelihood."
CoTU appealed for the removal of what it termed as blockade checkpoints at Namdilong-Kanglatombi, Chawangkining, Taphou Naga, and Yaingangpokpi to restore the free movement of essential supplies.
The memorandum also highlighted concerns over overlapping police jurisdictions involving Kangpokpi and neighbouring districts, stating that these have hampered effective policing and security coordination. It sought the devolution of existing police stations into full-fledged police stations with complete policing powers, including granting full functional authority to the Kangchup and Leimakhong police stations and implementing an earlier agreement to establish a police station in the Phailengmol area of Saikul Sub-Division.
CoTU further sought the rectification of what it described as police jurisdictional encroachment by Senapati Police in the Taphou Naga area, which it claimed falls within Kangpokpi's police and revenue jurisdiction.
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The memorandum also urged the Governor to reconsider what it described as the "limitless territorial boundaries" claimed by NSCN-IM and to take action against insurgent groups allegedly operating in the region. It alleged that the Shan Nationalist Army (SNA) and NSCN-Eastern Flanks from Myanmar have been operating in eastern hill areas and providing logistical support to Arambai Tenggol and Village Volunteers (VBIGs) during the ongoing Kuki-Zo and Meitei conflict. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Copies of the memorandum were also submitted to Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, and Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh. CoTU said the measures are essential for restoring normalcy, ensuring uninterrupted livelihoods, strengthening security coordination, and promoting lasting peace in Kangpokpi district.
