New Delhi: The situation in Manipur remained tense on Sunday as parallel economic blockades imposed by Kuki and Naga organisations brought traffic movement along National Highway 2 to a near standstill. The highway, considered the state’s main lifeline, witnessed severe disruption with hundreds of trucks and transport vehicles stranded amid rising unrest.
The fresh crisis follows violence reported on May 13 and allegations surrounding the abduction of several civilians after a deadly ambush in the hill districts. Transport services, supply chains, and movement of essential goods have been heavily affected due to the continued shutdowns.
United Naga Council announced an inter district economic blockade across Naga inhabited regions, claiming that six Naga civilians, including two pastors, remain missing despite repeated appeals and search efforts. The organisation accused authorities of failing to ensure their safe recovery.
At the same time, Kuki Inpi Manipur extended its shutdown by another 48 hours, alleging that the government had not succeeded in rescuing missing Kuki individuals reportedly taken hostage in Senapati district.
The situation became even more sensitive after the killing of three church leaders earlier this month near Zero Point between the Kotlen and Kotzim areas in Kangpokpi district. The incident triggered widespread anger and further deepened mistrust among communities already affected by prolonged ethnic tensions.
According to official sources, more than 38 people were initially reported missing following the violence. Authorities later confirmed that 32 individuals had safely returned, while efforts to locate the remaining missing persons are still underway.
Security forces have meanwhile intensified search and area domination operations in vulnerable parts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts after receiving intelligence inputs regarding suspected militant activity. Heavy deployment and surveillance have been strengthened in Henglep area, while combing operations were also conducted near Leilon Vaiphei and Kharam Vaiphei villages.
In a separate operation, security personnel arrested an alleged cadre of the banned militant group People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak from Imphal East district.
Amid growing tensions, church leaders from the Council for Baptist Churches in North East India and the Manipur Baptist Convention met state minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in Imphal and offered to mediate between communities. Separate church delegations are expected to visit Kangpokpi and Senapati districts to hold peace discussions and appeal for the humanitarian release of hostages as efforts continue to restore calm.
