Blockades By Kuki, Naga Groups Disrupt Traffic On Major Manipur National Highway
Highway blockades by tribal groups escalate tensions across Manipur.
The situation in Manipur remained tense on Sunday as parallel economic blockades imposed by Kuki and Naga organisations disrupted movement along National Highway-2, one of the state’s most critical transport routes. The escalating standoff further intensified instability in the conflict-hit northeastern state, with transport services, essential supplies and the movement of goods facing major disruption.
Hundreds of trucks and commercial vehicles were stranded along stretches of the highway amid rising tensions linked to the May 13 violence and the reported abduction of several civilians following a deadly ambush incident in the hill districts. The disruption has affected supply chains and increased concerns over shortages of essential commodities in several areas.
The United Naga Council announced an inter-district economic blockade across Naga-inhabited regions, alleging that six Naga civilians, including two pastors, remain missing despite repeated appeals and search operations. The organisation accused the authorities of failing to ensure the safe return of the missing individuals and demanded immediate intervention from the government.
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Simultaneously, the Kuki Inpi Manipur extended its ongoing shutdown by another 48 hours, claiming that the government had not taken adequate action to rescue missing Kuki individuals who were allegedly taken hostage in Senapati district. The group maintained that the continued blockade was necessary to press for urgent action and accountability.
National Highway-2 is considered the lifeline of Manipur as it connects the state with neighbouring regions and plays a vital role in the transportation of food, fuel and other essential goods. Repeated disruptions along the route have historically led to severe hardships for residents, particularly during periods of ethnic tension and unrest.
The latest blockades have once again highlighted the fragile security situation in Manipur, where ethnic clashes and political tensions have continued to affect normal life for months. Authorities are yet to announce a breakthrough in efforts to trace the missing civilians or restore unrestricted movement along the highway.
Also Read: Eight Militants Including Two Top Leaders Arrested In Manipur, Arms And Ammo Seized
