Imphal: In a dramatic escalation that has sent shockwaves across the State, the Joint Tribes' Council Manipur (JTCM) has declared a total emergency shutdown across the entire Zeliangrongpui region, effective immediately after six Naga civilians remained missing for 19 days with no resolution in sight.
The shutdown, announced on June 1, 2026, covers all Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Zeme territories and brings business, education, transport, and public life to a grinding halt until the six abducted civilians are returned unharmed and "justice is delivered."
The JTCM's decisive move follows what it describes as a "gross betrayal of justice" by both the Manipur Government and the United Naga Council (UNC). According to the council, despite the abduction entering its third week, authorities formally requested and the UNC agreed to the release of 14 Kuki refugees from Leilon Veiphei Kuki Village without first securing the safety or location of the six missing Naga civilians.
The six men were allegedly abducted on May 13, 2026, by refugees from Leilon Veiphei Kuki Village "acting in collusion with illegal Kuki militants." Since then, the JTCM says, concerned authorities have "failed to locate or secure the release of our six innocent brothers."
The JTCM has issued a strict four-point directive that will directly impact daily life across the region:
- All business activities along National Highways are suspended
- Educational institutions, government and private offices, and banking services shut down
- No public transport, taxis, or private vehicles permitted to operate
- Public gatherings and movements strictly prohibited until further notice
The JTCM has laid out non-negotiable demands to authorities:
- Immediate, safe, and unconditional release of the six Naga civilians abducted since May 13, 2026
- Detention of the 14 Kuki refugees until the six abducted civilians are safely returned
- A thorough investigation into alleged collusion between Leilon Veiphei Kuki Village refugees and illegal militants
- Accountability from the Manipur Government for prioritizing refugee release over the lives of Naga civilians
In its strongly worded statement, the JTCM's Media & Publicity wing has appealed to the general public to "heed this directive and participate in the fullest measure," stating that "complete cooperation is essential to demonstrate our collective resolve and to compel the authorities to take immediate action."
The council has framed the issue as a direct threat to Naga civilian security, warning that indifference is not an option.
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