Imphal: Tension and protests erupted in Manipur’s Noney district following a morning security operation and alleged firing near a Naga Village Guards (NVG) camp in Bitiang village on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
The Joint Tribes Council (JTC) responded by declaring an immediate emergency shutdown across the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme areas of the state.
Reports said security forces, reportedly from a CRPF CoBRA unit, launched an early morning operation near Bitiang Rongmei Naga village, targeting a local Naga Village Guards (NVG) camp.
Local Rongmei Naga women rushed to the site to intervene and protect the villagers and the village guards after reports of firing triggered panic in the area.
In a statement, the JTC-Manipur announced an immediate and indefinite emergency shutdown, effective from July 29, 2026, across the traditional regions of the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme communities.
The shutdown covers major national highways, railway routes and national project sites located within these community territories.
The protest will remain in force until the central government arrests those responsible for the May 13 abduction and killing of six Naga civilians from Leilon Vaiphei village.
The protesters have also demanded an immediate halt to targeted military operations against Naga Village Guards and the delivery of justice.
Medical facilities, schools, colleges, electricity, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) water supply and telecommunication services will remain fully operational and are exempt from the shutdown.