Naga Tribes Block Manipur Highways Over Border Fencing

The United Naga Council (UNC), representing the Naga tribes of Manipur, has escalated its opposition to the Indian government's decision to terminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and construct a 1,643-km fence along the India-Myanmar border by launching a "trade embargo." The protest, which began on September 9, 2025, involves blocking commercial goods on key highways, severely disrupting supply chains across Manipur.

The UNC has targeted National Highways 2 and 37, halting trucks in Naga-dominated districts such as Senapati, Ukhrul, and Tamenglong. This blockade has choked essential supply lines to the Imphal valley and southern Kuki-dominated hill areas, raising fears of shortages in food, fuel, and other necessities. The UNC described the action as a "peaceful protest" but warned of intensified measures if their demands are ignored.

The Naga body is protesting the Centre’s border fencing project, estimated to cost Rs 31,000 crore, and the scrapping of the FMR, which previously allowed residents within 16 km of the India-Myanmar border to cross without visas. The UNC argues that the fencing and FMR removal will fragment Naga communities across Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Myanmar, threatening their cultural identity, ancestral ties, and traditional cross-border interactions.

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Despite repeated appeals, including a failed meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs on August 26, the UNC claims the Centre has ignored their concerns. The council demands an immediate halt to border fencing in Naga-dominated areas, restoration of the FMR, and prioritization of the ongoing Naga peace process, particularly the talks involving the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), which has been in negotiations with the government for decades.

In a statement, the UNC appealed for solidarity from Naga communities across Manipur and sought public understanding, emphasizing that the embargo aims to protect Naga unity and rights. "The fencing and FMR scrapping divide our people and erode our heritage. We urge the Centre to address our grievances and respect our aspirations," the statement read.

The blockade has sparked concerns about its economic impact, particularly in the Imphal valley, where residents rely heavily on goods transported via these highways. Local traders and residents have reported rising prices and dwindling stocks of essentials. Manipur’s state government has yet to comment officially, but sources indicate efforts are underway to negotiate with the UNC to prevent further escalation.

The UNC’s actions have also drawn attention to the broader Naga peace process, which seeks a resolution to the long-standing demand for greater autonomy and integration of Naga-inhabited areas. Analysts suggest the protest could strain relations between the Centre and Naga groups, especially if the government pushes forward with the fencing project without addressing the UNC’s demands.

As the blockade continues, the UNC has called for calm and urged all communities in Manipur to support their cause for peace and unity. The council has vowed to maintain the embargo until the Centre engages in meaningful dialogue, leaving Manipur’s economic and social landscape in a state of uncertainty.

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