KNO-UPF lifts blockade on National Highway-2 following HM's advice

Notwithstanding the anger and anguish of the Kuki-Zo people, and keeping in view the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah's deep concern to restore peace and harmony in the State and alleviate the plight of people in general, the United People's Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO) have decided to lift the blockade at Kangui (Kangpokpi) on NH-2 with immediate effect to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities in the State.

The decision was taken after wide ranging consultations with Civil Society Organisations, village chiefs, youth and women leaders on several occasions.

In a press relaese issued on Sunday, UPF and KNO said Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki Zo communities since May 3, 2023. Recurring violence has led to loss of precious lives and destruction of property besides hundreds being injured and thousands being displaced.

KNO and UPF said: "The ongoing conflict has disturbed the traditional communal harmony in State of Manipur. The Kuki Zo people have suffered immensely in continued offensives by miscreants."

Urging the authorities to protect their lives and properties, the Kuki Zo organisations had earlier met the Union Home Minister and appealed him to provide security in the vulnerable villages in the bordering and foot hill areas.

The two umbrella organisations appreciated that the central forces have been deployed in most of those areas as assured and the process was in progress.

"Once the deployment of Central Forces is completed in all vulnerable areas, we will ensure that our volunteers are withdrawn from these areas to help restore peace and tranquility," said KNO-UPF

The KNO and UPF also expected that the concerned authorities would take every measure to maintain peace and ensure supply of essential commodities to the needy, particularly in the hill districts.

The organisations further appealed to all peace-loving organisations and citizens in the State of Manipur to reciprocate their gesture and take steps towards peace and communal harmony in the State.

KNO and UPF are the two umbrella organisations of the Kuki-Zo insurgent groups operating in Manipur, India, and are demanding separate administration within the state of Manipur by holding tripartite talks with Government of India and Manipur government since 2008.