Security forces detain five Naga women; JTC calls NH‑37 shutdown

IMPHAL, SEP 11 (NPN): Security forces in Noney district on Friday detained five women alleged to be enforcing the UNC‑sponsored economic blockade, a day after stone‑pelting incidents along NH‑37 left at least five truck drivers injured.
The detention sparked strong condemnation from the Joint Tribes Council (JTC) Manipur, which announced a shutdown of vehicular movement along NH‑37 and suspension of Central government‑sponsored projects in areas under its jurisdiction. On Thursday, mobs had pelted stones at convoys of goods‑laden vehicles moving towards Imphal from Jiribam, injuring drivers and damaging windshields. Following the incidents, truck and tanker drivers launched an indefinite “hands‑off steering wheel” stir.
Authorities subsequently strengthened security along the highway, deploying Rapid Action Force (RAF) and CRPF CoBRA personnel at vulnerable points in Naga‑dominated Noney district. In connection with the violence, five women—Rose Kamei, Stella Thaimei, Khamsinliu Phaomei, Kumtharla Kamei and Ellen Kamei—were detained at Noney Bazar. JTC alleged they were “peacefully exercising democratic rights” and demanded their immediate and unconditional release, terming the arrests “unwarranted.” The council declared a total shutdown of NH‑37 and called for halting all Central projects within the territorial jurisdiction of the Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui tribes. It also linked the arrests to what it described as continued injustice, citing the earlier killing of six Naga men.
JTC appealed for unity, calm and restraint among the four communities during the shutdown, while warning of intensified action if the women were not released. Meanwhile, Imagi Meira, a women’s group based in Imphal, also condemned the arrests. Its president Thokchom Sujata accused the government of silencing agitators instead of addressing grievances, and urged dialogue and democratic means to resolve public concerns.