Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WC-KCSOs) launched an indefinite counter-economic blockade on National Highway-202 at midnight on July 26. The move follows consultations between Kuki-Zo groups in Ukhrul and Kangpokpi. The committee claims the action is necessary to ensure the flow of essential supplies to Kuki-Zo villages after months of what they describe as government inaction regarding movement restrictions in Naga-dominated areas. Officials have shuttered all private and public institutions across 14 local villages until further notice.
Emergency vehicles, airport-bound travelers, and security forces remain exempt from the blockade, though all are subject to inspection. The committee denied recent claims that volunteers kidnapped an Indian Overseas Bank employee named Kharaingam Jaojo near the Shangkai-Mahadev stretch. They admitted to intercepting an India Post vehicle, but claimed they only seized commercial goods before allowing the driver and mail to proceed.
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) countered with allegations that more than 40 vehicles were looted on July 27. According to the TNL, these vehicles were under security escort when stopped around 9:15 a.m. at Shangkai and Mahadev Hill. Sources report that commuters had their belongings, cash, and groceries stolen or burned while security personnel stood by. One witness stated, "The incident occurred in the presence of security personnel deployed along the route."
Video footage circulating online appears to show locals offloading goods from buses and private cars near Litan Police Station around 10 a.m. The Manipur government has yet to issue an official response regarding the looting or the security failure. The state continues to face significant challenges maintaining order on vital transit routes despite repeated government claims of returning stability.
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