Imphal: Tensions escalated in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Tuesday as Naga and Kuki-Zo civil society organisations traded allegations over the ongoing counter-economic blockade, which entered its third day.
The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) accused Kuki groups of disrupting traffic along National Highway-202 and targeting commuters by stopping vehicles, seizing belongings and setting them on fire.
In a statement, the TNL alleged that around 40 commercial and private vehicles travelling under security escort were intercepted at Shangkai Kuki village and Mahadev Hill. It claimed that the incidents were carried out with the support of militant groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
The organisation questioned why security personnel deployed for Road Opening Party (ROP) duties failed to prevent the alleged incidents, despite the presence of armed escorts. It also criticised the Manipur government for not taking action against the Working Committee of the Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Ukhrul, which announced the counter-economic blockade from midnight on July 26.
Calling for an immediate end to the blockade, the TNL said unrestricted movement along the Imphal-Ukhrul highway must be restored to ensure the safety of commuters.
Responding to the allegations, the Working Committee of the Kuki CSOs, Ukhrul, rejected the claims as “baseless” and “malicious,” including reports alleging that a Naga bank employee had been abducted.
The committee maintained that the blockade was being enforced in a disciplined manner and in accordance with its announced guidelines.
It stated that the only vehicle intercepted was an India Post truck that was allegedly carrying commercial goods, including vegetables and grocery items, along with postal consignments. According to the committee, the driver and legitimate postal articles were allowed to continue their journey without harm.
The Kuki CSOs further asserted that no passengers had been forced to leave their vehicles and that no civilians had been detained during the enforcement of the blockade.