The United Naga Council began an indefinite economic blockade along National Highway-37 at 1 am on September 9, disrupting movement along the critical Imphal-Jiribam corridor and raising concerns over supplies of essential commodities to the region.
The UNC is demanding justice for the killing and alleged mutilation of six Liangmai Naga men on May 13. Security forces, including the Rapid Action Force and CoBRA units, have been deployed at strategic locations across Noney district. Surveillance along the Imphal-Silchar highway via Jiribam has been heightened.
The UNC has exempted emergency services, medical supplies, media personnel, and utility services including power, water, and telecommunications from the blockade.
JTC-Manipur Shutdown
The situation grew more complicated after the Joint Tribes Council-Manipur announced a total shutdown of NH-37 and all Central government-sponsored projects within its jurisdiction. The JTC-Manipur’s action followed the alleged arrest of five Naga women from Noney headquarters by a CRPF CoBRA team.
In a statement issued on September 11, the council identified the women as Rose Kamei, Stella Thaimei, Khamsinliu Phaomei, Kumtharla Kamei, and Ellen Kamei. The JTC-Manipur claimed they were arrested while protesting peacefully and condemned the arrests as unwarranted, demanding their immediate and unconditional release.
The council also raised concerns over what it described as continuing injustice against the Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Inpui communities, citing the absence of accountability over the May 13 killings. The allegations and circumstances surrounding the arrests could not be independently verified.
The JTC-Manipur warned of further action if the women were not released and stated it remained committed to a peaceful democratic struggle. The council appealed to members of the four communities to remain united, calm, and disciplined.
NH-37 serves as a key route connecting Imphal with Jiribam and Assam. The dual disruptions are expected to significantly affect traffic along this corridor.