Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: A relief convoy carrying food and medicine spent 24 hours trapped on the Imphal-Tamenglong Road in Kangpokpi district. The 28-vehicle transport faced repeated blockades and attacks as it tried to reach Kuki-Zo settlements in the Twilang region. Central security forces escorted the trucks, but the journey turned into a dangerous standoff.
Protesters first stopped the convoy at Chawangkining, a Liangmai Naga village. Security forces cleared that hurdle, but the group hit another blockade five kilometers later at Thonglang Atongba. Saboteurs planted nail traps, flattening tires on five vehicles. A large crowd blocked the path as tension flared. Security personnel used tear gas and smoke shells at 10:30 p.m. to clear the mob. Passengers reported protesters throwing stones and using slingshots, which shattered windows and threatened families inside the trucks.
The Committee on Tribal Unity responded by issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the Centre and the Manipur government. They want all routes cleared immediately. CoTU leaders slammed the blockade, arguing it targetted vulnerable groups. They stated, "preventing the movement of food, medicines, and fuel to women, children, and the elderly constituted a serious human rights issue rather than merely a law-and-order problem."
The ultimatum expires at midnight on June 29. Police, the CRPF, and the Rapid Action Force now face immense pressure to keep supply lines open. Authorities must break the cycle of violence to ensure food reaches the region.
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