Imphal: Naga women have taken an active, often confrontational, role in responding to the proliferation of arms in Manipur’s conflict-affected Ukhrul district, intercepting vehicles carrying passengers at Shangshak on NH-202 during a local patrol on Thursday.
Amid rising tensions, Tangkhul Naga female volunteers intercepted a vehicle transporting firearms at Shangshak, seizing a Single Barrel Breech-Loading (SBBL) gun, a muzzle-loading firearm, and ammunition, reports stated on Friday.
Upon inquiry, the individual in possession of the firearms reportedly admitted that the weapons were being transported from Ukhrul district to Saikul in Kangpokpi district.
This intensified vigilance follows a directive issued on February 24 by the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), advising all Tangkhul Naga villagers to immediately cut civic and economic ties with the Kuki community in the aftermath of clashes between the two communities, in which approximately 50 houses were destroyed.
Given the gravity of the situation, the volunteers seized the weapons and later reportedly handed them over to the concerned officials for further legal proceedings, though the individuals traveling in the vehicle were reportedly allowed to leave without further incident.
As part of efforts to stop the movement of arms following directives to curb violence in the area, these women are taking on the responsibility of policing their own areas to protect their communities from armed militants and miscreants.