IT Road essential supplies have emerged as a fresh point of tension in Manipur, with the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, backing a demand by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Twilang Block, for unrestricted movement of commodities to the Twilang area. CoTU endorsed the demand on September 21 and called for action before the KSO’s September 23 deadline.
The KSO has raised concerns over restrictions on vehicles carrying food, medicines and other necessities along the Imphal-Tamenglong Road, commonly known as the IT Road. The route connects Kangpokpi with the Twilang area and has remained a sensitive corridor amid continuing security concerns and tensions between communities.
CoTU backs KSO demand for IT Road essential supplies
During an emergency meeting on September 21, CoTU reiterated its concerns about alleged disruptions to the supply chain around Thonglang and Chawangkining. The organisation said restrictions were affecting the movement of essential commodities towards Kuki-Zo settlements in the Twilang area.
The KSO, which says it represents more than 30 villages in Twilang, had earlier submitted an ultimatum to the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi. It asked authorities to allow vehicles carrying essential commodities from Kangpokpi to Twilang and other areas along the IT Road to move without restrictions on the number of vehicles.
CoTU has argued that humanitarian supplies should not face prolonged restrictions. It also referred to an August 28 order issued by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) that prohibited blockades and urged the state government to enforce the order.
Dispute over escorted supply vehicles
The latest disagreement also centres on the number of vehicles permitted to travel under security escort.
According to the KSO, a communication from the Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner’s office on August 26 increased the number of supply vehicles escorted by the 112 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force from two to three. However, the organisation claimed that only one convoy consisting of two vehicles had moved since the communication.
The KSO said the restrictions continued around Thonglang and Chawangkining and affected students, patients and daily wage workers. These claims form the basis of its demand for unrestricted IT Road essential supplies movement.
The authorities have not publicly accepted all of the allegations made by the KSO and CoTU. The issue remains tied to the wider security situation along the route.
IT Road essential supplies linked to wider security concerns
The dispute follows earlier incidents along the IT Road. In late August, CoTU condemned bloodshed near Makui and called for the removal of what it described as illegal checkpoints at Chawangkining and Thonglang.
At the time, the organisation alleged that restrictions on food and medical supplies had affected Kuki-Zo settlements in Twilang. It also warned that prolonged restrictions could increase tensions between tribal communities.
CoTU has continued to press for safer movement through the corridor. In a separate protest in August, the organisation submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen raising concerns about security threats and shortages of essential goods in villages around Taphou Kuki.
The developments underline how access to roads and supply routes remains closely connected to security and humanitarian concerns in parts of Manipur.
KSO sets September 23 deadline
The KSO has warned that failure to address its demand by September 23 could lead to a complete stoppage of vehicular movement along the IT Road. It has also announced a proposed public movement from Kangpokpi towards the IT Road on September 24 to procure essential supplies if the issue remains unresolved.
The organisation has sought action against officials it alleges are responsible for enforcing restrictions. It has also called for changes in the deployment of personnel in the Twilang area. Copies of its ultimatum were sent to Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, senior CRPF officials, the Kangpokpi superintendent of police and other authorities.
CoTU, meanwhile, has stressed that restrictions on humanitarian corridors could undermine efforts to rebuild trust. The group has urged the government to ensure that IT Road essential supplies reach affected settlements without obstruction.
The immediate focus is now on the September 23 deadline and the government’s response. Any further restrictions or proposed road action could affect the movement of civilians, supplies and security personnel along an already sensitive corridor. Ensuring safe passage for essential commodities remains central to efforts to prevent further disruption and ease tensions in the area.