Security forces fire tear gas as protests stall Manipur supply convoy

Imphal: Security forces fired tear gas and mock bombs Sunday night to break up a blockade in Kangpokpi. Hundreds of Naga women occupied the road at Twilang with torches, stopping a convoy of food and medicine meant for Kuki-inhabited areas. The blockade caused clashes, though officials reported no injuries. Forces cleared the road to let the supplies pass.

Protesters also gathered at Thonlang and Atongba village to stall the movement of goods. The Committee on Tribal Unity recently issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the government remove unauthorized checkpoints along National Highway-2. They warned of more intense protests if the supply disruptions continue. The Kuki-Zo Council claims these travel restrictions have created dire shortages of fuel and food in several villages.

This unrest follows the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians earlier this month. Naga groups refuse to claim the bodies currently held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences mortuary. They stated, "Naga civil society organisations have said they will not claim the bodies until those responsible for the killings are identified and prosecuted." Torchlight processions and road blocks continue across the district as frustration mounts.