Tension on Imphal West-Kangpokpi border as Kukis protest Naga blockade

Fresh tension gripped the Imphal West-Kangpokpi border on Tuesday after a group of Kukis reportedly attempted to march towards Namdilong in the Kanglatongbi area of Imphal West, expressing anger over the continuing economic blockade being enforced by Naga groups.

Sources said around 200 Kukis from Motbung and Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district gathered at Gamgiphai and sought to move towards Namdilong, where Naga organisations have been enforcing a blockade seeking justice into the killing of six Naga civilians.

Security forces deployed in the sensitive border area intercepted the marchers, preventing them from crossing beyond Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi.

The Kuki protesters condemned the prolonged blockade, alleging it has severely disrupted the movement of people and essential supplies to Kangpokpi district. They demanded that authorities ensure free movement along the highway and restore normalcy.

The development comes amid heightened tensions between Naga and Kuki communities following the murder of six Naga civilians, which has triggered sustained protests and highway blockades along NH-2 by Naga civil society organisations over the past several weeks.

The NH-2 stretch has remained volatile in recent days. Last week, clashes broke out when security forces escorted Kuki civilians through the area, leaving several protesters injured.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), a Kuki-Zo body, had served a 48-hour ultimatum starting Saturday midnight to the Centre and the Manipur govt, demanding intervention to ensure unobstructed movement of “essential commodities, goods, medicines and daily basic necessities” along national and inter-state highways passing through Kangpokpi district.

On Monday, the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Tribe Hohos, Senapati District Women Association (SDWA), and Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) resolved to strengthen the ongoing agitation.

“Any individual or group found violating the agitation shall face the strictest possible action, without exception and under no circumstances shall any violation be condoned,” an NPO statement said, adding the agitation will continue until justice is delivered for the six Naga civilians, whom it said were kidnapped at Leilon Vaiphei and later handed over to KNF-P armed militants.

The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (Ansam) said the ongoing economic blockade across Naga areas is being carried out pursuant to a collective decision taken under the UNC (United Naga Council) Charter of Demand and will continue until justice is delivered.

Ansam urged the govt and law-enforcing agencies to “respect the sentiment of the Naga people mourning for the justice of the slain six Naga hostages,” and pressed for swift investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the killing and dismemberment of the Naga civilians, and “immediate implementation of the UNC Charter of Demand,” among other demands.