Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTCM) issued an immediate, indefinite ban on goods-laden trucks and commercial vehicles traversing national highways in Zeliangrong and Inpui territories. This order, effective August 20, covers regions populated by the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Zeme Naga communities. Tensions flared after violence left several people injured at Namdilong in Kanglatongbi, Imphal West district, on Thursday.
The council pointed to a pattern of state failure. It highlighted the May 13 abduction of six Nagas from Leilon Vaiphei village, which included two pastors. Search efforts led to the discovery of their beheaded, mutilated bodies on June 10. One victim was found with his hands tied behind his back. The JTCM claimed the National Investigation Agency has failed to identify the killers despite taking over the case.
The council did not mince words regarding the suspects. “The manipulated process, possibly influenced by some people in authority in collusion with the Kuki cannibals, has delayed justice beyond tolerance,” the JTCM stated. They also lashed out at the CRPF COBRA unit, accusing the force of raiding Naga Village Guards based on unverified intelligence while ignoring armed Kuki groups raiding Naga villages.
The JTCM directed area coordination committees to enforce the blockade peacefully. They warned that they possess the right to escalate the agitation if the government ignores the security of the Naga community. The council declared that justice is non-negotiable.
Updated at 21st August 2026 at 5:49pm
The Liangmai Naga Council and other civil bodies identified four civilians injured by security forces during the Thursday protest: Wikhonliu, 36, Wilobou, 33, Chunwibou, and Masenwangbou, 44. All four were transported to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal for treatment. Local leaders noted that Wikhonliu was previously identified as a victim in the murder case that triggered the ongoing unrest.
Native People's Committee convener Ashang Kasar, who organized the sit-in alongside Meitei and Naga community members, labeled the security crackdown unconstitutional. Representing groups including the Apunba Manipur Ema and the Kabui Mothers' Association, leaders demanded an impartial probe and the immediate release of detained villagers. They are pushing for formal charges against those responsible for the violence under Sections 115, 117, and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Updated at 21st August 2026 at 10:01pm
The Liangmai Naga Council identified the Rapid Action Force as the unit responsible for deploying tear gas against the crowd around noon on Thursday. The council and other civil bodies emphasized that the protesters were gathered to demand justice for the victims of the Leilon Vaiphei killings as well as two villagers from Langka.
COCOMI reported that police initially detained four protesters during the incident, releasing them late that night. The organization challenged the government on the ongoing presence of armed groups operating under Suspension of Operations agreements, asking why those factions remain fully stocked while the conflict stretches into its fourth year.
Leaders including Thongam Inaocha of Apunba Manipur Ema and Atongbi Kamei of the Kabui Mothers Association warned that the government's heavy-handed tactics create deep divisions between communities. Joint Tribe Council executive member Dinraibou Pamei added that the push for justice will continue until the demands outlined in the United Naga Council charter are addressed.
Updated at 22nd August 2026 at 2:01pm
A broad coalition including the Tangkhul Naga Long, AMUCO, and the Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee has joined the chorus of condemnation against the security forces. These groups confirmed that the police action at Namdilong involved not just tear gas, but also rubber bullets. The total number of people sustaining serious injuries reached ten, according to new reports. The Tangkhul Naga Long specifically named ST Thangboi Kipgen, the president of the KNF-P, as a key figure they allege remains at large despite his reported links to the Leilon Vaiphei case.
The Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee challenged the government to cover the medical costs and compensation for those wounded during the protest. They highlighted a perceived double standard, claiming an injured militant received state-protected medical treatment in an earlier clash while peaceful protesters were met with force. Meanwhile, the AMUCO and other civil leaders are pushing for the government to move beyond the current impasse by officially recognizing the protesters' right to assembly, warning that failing to do so will only deepen the state's internal fractures.
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