Imphal: Passengers travelling from Imphal to Senapati in a security-escorted convoy were allegedly robbed by suspected Kuki miscreants along National Highway-2 in Kangpokpi district on Tuesday, triggering outrage among Naga travellers.
According to passengers, the incident occurred between 11:05 am and 11:20 am near Damdei College Road at Gamgiphai under the Sapermeina Police Station, despite the presence of state and central security forces escorting the convoy.
Many of the passengers were returning from a joint meeting of Naga People’s Front (NPF) legislators, office-bearers and party leaders held in Imphal on Monday. The NPF is an ally in the BJP-led coalition government headed by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
Victims alleged that volunteers enforcing a Kuki counter-economic blockade intercepted the Senapati-bound convoy and forcibly took away rice, fruits, dry fish and other essential commodities being carried by the passengers.
According to those in the convoy, the seized items were briefly returned before being taken away again after some people at the spot allegedly shouted, “Bring back everything if it belongs to Senapati.”
Passengers also claimed that the perpetrators deleted photographs and videos from their mobile phones to prevent documentation of the incident.
The alleged looting came a day after similar incidents were reported along the Imphal–Ukhrul highway, raising fresh concerns over the safety of commuters travelling through the state’s hill districts.
The latest incident has sparked widespread anger among Naga travellers, who questioned how the convoy could be intercepted despite being accompanied by security personnel.