Guwahati: A convoy transporting medicines, food and other essential supplies to Kuki-inhabited areas moved under heavy security through parts of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Sunday night despite protests by hundreds of Naga women that led to clashes with security personnel.
The main confrontation occurred at Twilang, where protesters carrying torches occupied the road and stopped the convoy’s movement.
After repeated requests to clear the route failed, security forces used tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the crowd. Officials said no injuries were reported.
Attempts to obstruct the convoy were also reported from Thonlang and Atongba village, where demonstrators gathered to prevent the movement of essential commodities.
Security personnel eventually cleared the affected stretches, allowing the vehicles to continue their journey.
The convoy operation came as the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) pressed its 48-hour ultimatum, calling on the Centre and the Manipur government to remove what it described as unauthorised checkpoints and travel restrictions along National Highway-2.
The organisation warned that it would intensify democratic protests if its demands were not addressed, alleging that the restrictions had disrupted the supply of essential goods to Kuki-Zo areas.
Separately, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) alleged that transport disruptions had affected several villages, including Chassad and Aishi in Kamjong district and Kotlen and Leilon in Kangpokpi district.
The council claimed that shortages of food, medicines, fuel and other daily necessities had resulted from restrictions in parts of Senapati and Namdilong, and urged the authorities to ensure uninterrupted humanitarian access.
The demonstrations by Naga women follow the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians earlier this month.
Since then, torchlight processions, protests and road blockades have continued across Naga-inhabited areas of Kangpokpi district.
The bodies of the six victims remain at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) mortuary in Imphal.
Naga civil society organisations have said they will not claim the bodies until those responsible for the killings are identified and prosecuted.