Imphal: Soldiers stopped hundreds of Kuki protesters near Kanto Sabal on Thursday. Troops from the Punjab Regiment intercepted the marchers to block their advance on a Naga-held checkpoint. Violence waited in the wings. The crowd came from Leimakhong to demand an end to a month-long blockade choking their supply lines.
Food and medicine are scarce in Kangpokpi district. Protesters screamed for the reopening of National Highway 2 as the Army held the line. The standoff follows similar clashes near the Kangpokpi and Imphal West border earlier this week.
Naga groups continue to hold the road at Namdilong. They claim the blockade is retaliation for the murder of six civilians. Landingam Kamei, president of the Naga Humanitarian Aid Committee, remains unmoved by government pressure.
"We stand together with the Meitei community against Kuki terrorism operating in the hill districts of Manipur. Until justice is delivered to the six Naga civilians who were brutally murdered, the economic blockade will continue," Kamei said. He warned traders to stay away from Kuki areas or face serious action.
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