Imphal: Residents of a border area in Manipur’s Kamjong district blocked a key road on Tuesday to prevent the movement of an Assam Rifles convoy towards the India-Myanmar border, according to local sources.
The blockade followed the arrival of around 47 Assam Rifles personnel from Somsai at an outpost in Mapum village, triggering concern among residents, the sources said.
The villagers took the step after learning that the contingent intended to move towards the international border, according to the sources. The move came amid heightened security concerns in the region.
Suspicion reportedly increased after Assam Rifles personnel allegedly gave different accounts of their destination while continuing towards the border. Residents subsequently blocked the Shirui-Kachaophung road to prevent the convoy from proceeding further.
The road is a key link for several remote villages in the area and was constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
Villages dependent on the route include Zingsui, Chattric, Ronshak, Sahamphung, Roni, Motoya, Chamu, H. Kaphung, Khayang, Phungtha, Kachaophung and Langkhe.
The blockade remained in place on Tuesday evening, disrupting movement along the road.