Correspondent
IMPHAL, JUN 30: Security forces on Tuesday prevented a possible confrontation between Naga and Kuki protesters in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district by using tear gas shellss and mock bombs to disperse a crowd attempting to march towards a blockade site along National Highway-2.
The incident occurred after a large group of Kuki protesters attempted to reach Kanglatongbi, where Naga residents have been enforcing an economic blockade on the Imphal-Dimapur stretch of NH-2 for more than a month.
Security personnel intercepted the protesters at Gamphiphai, adjoining Kanglatongbi, and resorted to crowd-control measures after some demonstrators allegedly tried to breach temporary barricades. Following a brief confrontation, the situation was brought under control without any major injuries being reported. However, tension remained high in the area.
Additional security personnel have been deployed in and around Kanglatongbi and Gamphiphai to prevent any escalation, according to reports.
The blockade by Naga residents has disrupted the movement of goods, including essential commodities and medicines, from Imphal towards Kangpokpi district. The agitation is being carried out by Naga groups demanding justice for six Liangmai Naga men who were found dead after they went missing earlier this year.
Naga organisations have alleged that the victims were abducted and killed by Kuki armed groups, a charge that has not been independently verified.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), representing Kuki interests, has accused the authorities of failing to restore the movement of essential supplies and people along the highway, alleging that the prolonged blockade has triggered a humanitarian crisis in Kangpokpi district.
The organisation had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Centre and the Manipur government demanding restoration of free movement on the highways. The deadline is set to expire at midnight on Tuesday.
On Monday, Naga-based civil society organisations in Senapati district resolved to intensify their agitation until justice is delivered for the six victims. According to reports, the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Tribe Hohos, Senapati District Women Association (SDWA) and Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) decided to continue restricting inter-district movement of goods and constituted a supervisory committee to oversee the protest.
The case relating to the deaths of the six Liangmai Naga men has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Naga organisations have alleged the involvement of cadres of the Kuki National Front (P), a Suspension of Operations (SoO) group, and have demanded action against those responsible. The allegations are under investigation.