Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: The indefinite economic blockade imposed by members of the Liangmai Naga community along National Highway-102, which connects Imphal to Dimapur in Nagaland, entered its eighth consecutive day on Friday at Namdilong in Manipur’s Imphal West district, disrupting the movement of goods-laden vehicles.
The organisation is intensifying pressure on the authorities to address growing public outrage over the killing of six Liangmai Naga men.
However, the Manipur government stated that the movement of 201 vehicles carrying essential commodities along National Highway-37, linking Imphal to Silchar in Assam, was ensured on Thursday (June 11) amid strict security measures across all vulnerable locations.
Security convoys are being provided along sensitive stretches to ensure the free and safe passage of vehicles.
The blockade, spearheaded by the Koubrou Range Liangmai Women’s Union since June 5, was launched in protest against the abduction and subsequent killing of six Liangmai Nagas who went missing on May 13.
The recovery of their mortal remains earlier this week has triggered widespread anger across Naga-inhabited areas and renewed demands for justice.
At Namdilong, a strategic point along the Imphal-Dimapur highway, local volunteers maintained a vigil throughout the day.
They monitored vehicular movement and restricted the passage of goods-laden vehicles heading towards Gamgiphai and Kangpokpi.
Around 15 to 20 volunteers were stationed at the site, permitting only limited vehicular movement while strictly enforcing the blockade on commercial transportation.
Although private vehicles, security convoys, and emergency service vehicles were allowed to pass, the flow of essential commodities and other goods along one of Manipur’s most vital lifelines remained severely affected.
The blockade comes amid escalating tensions between the Naga and Kuki communities following a series of violent incidents reported on May 13.
These incidents include the killing of three Kuki/Thadou individuals and subsequent abduction cases involving members of both communities.