United Naga Council intensifies its indefinite economic blockade across Manipur highways, citing justice for six Naga civilians killed in May
IMPHAL — The United Naga Council (UNC) has intensified its ongoing inter-district economic blockade in Manipur, extending it indefinitely to major National Highway corridors, including the Imphal-Mao section of NH-2, with effect from 1 am on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by UNC, the blockade will cover the Imphal-Jiribam section of NH-37, Tadubi-Ukhrul section of NH-102A, Imphal-Jessami section of NH-202 and Imphal-Mao section of NH-2.
The UNC, the apex body of the Naga community in Manipur, took the decision at an emergency presidential council meeting held at Ukhrul last week.
The inter-district economic blockade was launched in Naga areas of the state in May, following the May 13 incident in Kangpokpi district in which three civilians were killed and four others injured. The UNC had demanded the safe rescue and release of Naga civilians allegedly abducted in the incident.
“All goods laden vehicles will not be allowed to ply,” the UNC stated, while exempting vehicles carrying essential emergency services, including medical supplies, media, power, telecommunications and water supply.
Also read: Naga MLAs abstain from Manipur Assembly session
The council described the blockade as a “collective expression” of its grievances and a demand for justice and accountability over the deaths of six Naga civilians on May 13.
The UNC appealed to the public for cooperation until justice is delivered.
The escalation comes amid a warning from the Manipur government against highway blockades and obstructions. Last week, the government warned that individuals, organisations and groups involved in unlawful road blockades or activities disrupting public movement would face prosecution without further notice. The commissioner-cum-secretary (Home) also issued an order to this effect.
The UNC’s decision came a day after nine Naga MLAs abstained from the last day of the Manipur Assembly session on Monday, protesting the alleged abduction and subsequent killing of six Naga civilians in May and demanding justice for the victims.
It may be recalled that six Liangmai Naga civilians were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13. Their mortal remains were recovered during a massive search operation in the district on June 10.
The bodies have remained at the JNIMS mortuary at Porompat in Imphal East district, according to reports.
The killings have triggered widespread outrage in Manipur and condemnation from civil society organisations and political leaders.
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