Blockade of key highway in Manipur over killing of 6 Naga civilians nears a month
A prolonged economic blockade by Naga groups in Manipur over the killing of six civilians has prompted the authorities to beef up security along Highway-2
A prolonged economic blockade by Naga groups in Manipur over the killing of six civilians has prompted the authorities to beef up security along Highway-2 (NH-2). The protests began in the aftermath of the killing of six people, who had allegedly been kidnapped. In view of the agitation, authorities in Imphal West on Thursday issued an order deploying police teams, along with Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF) personnel, on special duty to maintain law and order in Namduilong along NH-2, where the ongoing blockade has been primarily concentrated. Read Full Story The protesters are demanding justice for six Liangmai Naga civilians whose mutilated bodies were recovered after they purportedly spent nearly a month in captivity. The victims were allegedly abducted on May 13 by armed Kuki militants and killed thereafter.
The claim is being investigated by the police. The protesters are also seeking the immediate arrest of the culprits, while condemning what they describe as confessional statements made by members of the Kuki community regarding the killings. Police officials said around 40 local Liangmai Naga volunteers, along with Meitei women, were monitoring vehicle movement at the Namduilong crossing, restricting the passage of goods and other essential commodities bound for Kangpokpi district from Imphal. Security force and emergency service vehicles have been exempted from the restrictions. Meanwhile, a limited number of interstate and inter-district passenger vehicles also continue to ply the route. The agitation by Naga outfits, which began on June 5, entered its 28th day on Thursday, July 2.
Police said volunteers enforcing the blockade are mobilising additional supporters amid apprehensions that authorities may attempt to clear the highway. On the other hand, members of the Kuki-Zo community have been staging a counter-agitation in Kangpokpi district since Tuesday, June 30, demanding the restoration of free movement along the crucial interstate road. VEHICLE CARRYING TELECOM EQUIPMENT TORCHED In an unrelated incident, on Thursday, at around 1.30 am, a vehicle transporting telecom equipment was set on fire by protesters in Imphal East after it was falsely claimed that it was being used to transport illegal items. According to the police, the vehicle was heading towards Kangpokpi district but was intercepted by security personnel in Imphal East and directed to return to Imphal due to the prevailing law and order situation.
The BriefWire