The United Naga Council (UNC) has intensified its inter-district economic blockade in Manipur, stopping goods-laden vehicles along major National Highways indefinitely from 1 a.m. on Wednesday.
The escalation comes in response to what the UNC described as the government’s failure to deliver justice over the killing of six Naga civilians in the Leilon Vaiphei incident on May 13.
The blockade now covers NH-2, NH-202 towards Jessami, NH-37 towards Jiribam and NH-102A between Tadubi and Ukhrul.
The UNC said vehicles carrying essential services and supplies, including medical supplies, media, power, telecommunications and water supply, would be exempted from the blockade.
The decision was taken at an Emergency Presidential Council Meeting held at Ukhrul on September 2, where the council reviewed the government’s response to its demands concerning the May 13 incident.
The council has demanded action against those allegedly involved in the killings and has also called for the removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
The UNC said the intensified blockade was a collective expression of its grievances and a demand for justice and accountability for the six Naga civilians. It appealed to the public to extend cooperation until justice is delivered.
The latest escalation follows continued political pressure from Naga representatives in Manipur. Nine Naga legislators abstained from the final sitting of the Assembly session on September 7, citing the delay in securing justice for the victims.
The UNC had earlier maintained that six Naga civilians were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei before being killed. It has alleged that the victims were brutally killed, mutilated and dismembered.