Manipur Tribal Council Shuts Down NH-37 After Naga Women Arrested

Imphal: The Joint Tribes Council-Manipur (JTC-Manipur) shut down movement on National Highway 37 and halted all Central Government projects within its territory. The group hit back after a CRPF CoBRA team arrested five Naga women in Noney, also known as Longmai, headquarters. Tensions are boiling over. The detainees are Rose Kamei, Stella Thaimei, Khamsinliu Phaomei, Kumtharla Kamei, and Ellen Kamei.

The council claims the women were arrested while peacefully exercising their democratic rights. In a statement released on September 11, the JTC-Manipur labeled the action as "unwarranted" and demanded their immediate and unconditional release. The group warned of further consequences if the women are not freed. They also urged members of the Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Inpui communities to keep their cool and stay united during the protest.

This protest follows long-standing grievances regarding the killing and mutilation of six Naga men. The council alleges authorities failed to deliver justice for those deaths. The shutdown blocks the vital artery linking Imphal with Jiribam and Assam. The JTC-Manipur vows to continue its democratic struggle until their demands are met.