Kuki CSOs Kamjong have issued a 36-hour ultimatum to the district administration over what they describe as a prolonged economic embargo and movement restrictions affecting Kuki residents. The groups warned that an indefinite economic blockade could be imposed at Chassad if authorities do not intervene.
The ultimatum was issued on September 14 by the Kuki CSO Working Committee, Kamjong District. The committee has sought what it called meaningful administrative intervention and a satisfactory response before the deadline expires.
Kuki CSOs Kamjong seek administrative action
According to the committee, the dispute has continued for more than six months and has affected the movement of people and essential supplies. The organisation has urged the Deputy Commissioner of Kamjong to address the issue through administrative intervention and dialogue.
The proposed blockade would be indefinite if the committee does not receive a satisfactory response within 36 hours. However, the group has said certain essential services would remain exempt from the proposed action.
Patients, ambulances and other medical emergencies would be allowed to pass. Essential medical supplies, Army convoys, telecommunications services and the Electricity Department would also be exempted, according to the committee’s statement.
Copies of the statement were reportedly sent to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Kamjong. The 11 Assam Rifles command at Chassad, the BSF unit deployed in the district and intelligence authorities were also informed.
Kuki CSOs Kamjong cite months of restrictions
The latest warning follows a dispute that has remained active since March. Chassad, a major Kuki settlement in Kamjong, has become a focal point of competing claims over movement, supplies and access to essential services.
The Zingsho Katamnao Long, also known as the Eastern Students’ Union, announced an indefinite economic embargo on Kuki residents of Chassad on March 26. The student body said the action followed an alleged failure by the Chassad Youth Club to withdraw a statement and issue an unconditional apology.
Kuki groups rejected the embargo and later raised concerns over access to essential commodities and healthcare. In May, the Kuki Women Union alleged that residents of Chassad and nearby Kuki villages faced restrictions on accessing Kamjong Bazaar and purchasing daily necessities.
Competing claims deepen the dispute
The dispute has also produced conflicting accounts from different community organisations. Kuki bodies have described the restrictions as an economic embargo affecting civilians, while Naga organisations have rejected claims that Tangkhul civil society groups imposed such restrictions.
The Naga Village Guard Eastern Command has reportedly described allegations of a Tangkhul civil society-imposed embargo as baseless. It has also raised separate allegations concerning attacks on Tangkhul villages and disruption along National Highway-202.
Meanwhile, Kuki student organisations have alleged difficulties in accessing the district hospital at Kamjong headquarters. They have sought equal access to healthcare and, in some statements, demanded a separate medical facility at Chassad.
Kuki CSOs Kamjong warning raises fresh concerns
The latest ultimatum comes amid a wider pattern of blockades and counter-blockades across Manipur’s hill districts. In July, the Kuki CSO Working Committee in Ukhrul announced an indefinite counter-economic blockade along NH-202, citing alleged obstruction of essential commodities to Kuki-Zo areas.
Such restrictions can affect civilian movement, trade and access to food, fuel and medical supplies. Therefore, the proposed Chassad blockade could add another layer of pressure to an already fragile situation in the region.
The committee has said it wants a peaceful and lasting solution through administrative intervention and dialogue. It has also indicated that exemptions for essential services would apply if the blockade is enforced.
Administration faces a critical deadline
The 36-hour ultimatum now places the Kamjong administration under pressure to respond before the proposed action begins. No immediate public response from the district administration was reported when the ultimatum was issued.
For residents, the immediate concern is whether the dispute can be resolved without another prolonged disruption to movement and supplies. Moreover, any blockade could affect communities beyond those directly involved in the dispute.
Overall, the latest development highlights the need for timely administrative engagement in Kamjong. A negotiated settlement could help prevent further restrictions and reduce the risk of renewed tensions around Chassad.
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