Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Liangmai Naga volunteers enforced an emergency bandh along National Highway-2 in the Kanglatongbi area of Manipur on Wednesday, leading to a confrontation with security forces in the early hours of the day.
The unrest began after Naga volunteers intercepted a convoy carrying around 30 Kuki men, who were reportedly being escorted by security personnel from Imphal International Airport to Kangpokpi district headquarters at approximately 1:30 am. The convoy was stopped at Kanglatongbi, triggering a tense standoff between the protesters and the security forces.
To disperse the demonstrators, security personnel resorted to firing tear gas shells and mock bombs. No injuries or casualties were reported during the incident.
The bandh disrupted traffic movement along the highway, with private vehicles barred from plying and several goods-laden trucks bound for Imphal stranded in the Kanglatongbi area.
The protest is linked to growing anger within the Naga community over the abduction and killing of six Liangmai Naga men, allegedly by armed Kuki militants, on May 13, 2026.
The bodies of the victims, which bore signs of mutilation, were recovered on June 10 near Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district, sparking widespread outrage and protests across the state.
Naga organisations have since been demanding justice for the victims and stronger action against those responsible for the killings.