In a decisive response to the recent directives issued by Kuki militants, who have imposed a ban on selling water and grocery items to State force personnel in Moreh, the Meetei Community Joint Co-Ordinating Committee (MCJCC) has launched an indefinite counter blockade. This proactive measure spans from Waithou to Kiyam Siphai, Haokha, and Thoubal Khunou, with the aim of disrupting the transportation of goods to the border town.
Having issued a stern ultimatum on February 5, wherein they cautioned that a counter-blockade would be initiated if the Kukis did not rescind the ban by February 7, the MCJCC swiftly implemented their planned response as the deadline passed without compliance.
Reports indicate that the Meetei Coordinating Committee, extending from Tronglaobi to Torbung and Waikhurok, is also gearing up to launch a parallel counter-blockade in Bishnupur starting tomorrow, should the restrictions imposed by ‘Kuki volunteers’ on Moreh shopkeepers persist.
At Babu Bazar in Thoubal, a gathering of protestors along the Imphal-Moreh route intercepted goods-laden vehicles, marking the commencement of the counter-blockade.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines, Committee Treasurer Khumanthem Inaocha Singh vehemently condemned the threats made by Kuki militants against Moreh shopkeepers, denouncing such actions as inhumane and intolerable. Singh declared their unwavering intention to cease the transportation of goods to Moreh until the ban on shopkeepers is lifted. He urged the State Government to take resolute actions against the Kuki militants, ensuring that State forces receive their necessary supplies without hindrance.
It is important to note that on February 5, the MCJCC had already expressed strong disapproval of the ban on selling goods to State forces in Moreh. They emphasized that the violence in Manipur originated in Churachandpur after Kukis began demolishing and burning Meitei villages. The Committee had issued a caution, stating that if the ban were not withdrawn by February 7, they would collaborate with local clubs and civil society organizations to impede the transportation of goods and essentials to all Kuki villages.
