Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Shutdowns called by Kuki and Naga organisations disrupted normal life across hill districts of Manipur on Thursday, with security forces stepping up deployment in vulnerable areas amid tensions triggered by recent killings.
Major Kuki civil society organisations enforced an indefinite shutdown in Kangpokpi district following the killing of a 55-year-old farmer, Haogin Lhouvum, who was shot dead by unidentified armed miscreants at Lansan village in Tamenglong district on June 9.
The shutdown, in effect since June 10, has restricted vehicular movement and led to the closure of business establishments and educational institutions in the district.
Meanwhile, the United Naga Council (UNC) called a 24-hour shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur from 6 am on Thursday following the recovery of bodies of six Naga civilians who had gone missing after being abducted on May 13 from Leilon Vaiphei village.
The Naga body has demanded the arrest of those responsible and legal action in connection with the killings.
Amid the shutdowns, Manipur Police said security forces continued search operations and area domination exercises in fringe and vulnerable districts. According to a police bulletin, 113 checkpoints have been set up across hill and valley districts as part of heightened security measures.
Police also said the movement of 846 vehicles carrying essential commodities along National Highway 37, connecting Imphal and Silchar, was facilitated under security cover. Escorts were deployed along vulnerable stretches to ensure the safe passage of vehicles.