Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) claims Kuki villagers and militants stopped more than 40 vehicles on National Highway 202 on July 27. The convoy traveled under security escort. Assailants halted the cars near Shangkai Kuki village and Mahadev Hill at 9:15 am. They seized cash, documents, clothes, and groceries. Some items went up in flames.
TNL officials allege these acts occurred while security forces stood by. The organization links the chaos to a counter economic blockade declared by the Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul. That blockade supposedly began at midnight on July 26, 2026. The TNL further alleges collusion between the Kuki groups and forces operating under the Suspension of Operation agreement.
The group demands the government end the blockade and address the failure of security personnel to protect commuters. TNL leaders expressed frustration with the state's silence. They pointed to the group's own willingness to assist others in need. "Had the Kukis approached the Nagas for help to alleviate their hunger, we would have willingly offered assistance on humanitarian grounds as part of our shared Christian community. Instead, the Kuki CSO Working Committee has imposed a ‘counter blockade’ against the Tangkhul Nagas, which challenges our land and rights. Therefore, we insist that this blockade along NH-202 must be lifted immediately," the TNL stated.
The TNL now questions why district and state officials failed to prevent the highway robbery. They are pushing for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operation agreement. State authorities have not yet responded to the allegations. The claims remain unverified by independent sources.
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