Manipur: Kuki Body Announces 24-Hour NH-37 Shutdown Following Alleged Attack on Kangpokpi Village
Imphal, July 6: The Kuki CSO Working Committee (KCWC), South West Sadar Hills, on Monday announced a 24-hour shutdown along National Highway-37 (Imphal–Silchar) following an alleged attack on Thingkhojang Kuki village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, in which several civilians were reportedly injured and multiple houses damaged.
In a statement, the organisation alleged that unidentified armed assailants attacked the village on Sunday while residents were attending a church service. According to the KCWC, the incident left several people injured, including women and children, and resulted in the burning of a number of houses.
Condemning the incident, the committee also announced a non-cooperation movement against the 86 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The organisation alleged that security personnel stationed nearby failed to prevent the attack despite their presence in the area.
The KCWC demanded a fair and impartial investigation into the incident, the immediate arrest of those responsible, and adequate medical assistance, relief, and rehabilitation for the affected villagers from both the Central and the Manipur governments.
The latest shutdown comes at a time when the indefinite economic blockade on National Highway-2 (Imphal–Dimapur) has entered its 52nd day. The blockade is being enforced by Naga civil society organisations, including the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), in protest against the killing of six Liangmai Naga civilians in May.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police said security forces have continued search operations, area domination patrols, and intensified surveillance across vulnerable and fringe areas of the state.
According to police, 114 security checkpoints (Nakas) are currently operational across the hill and valley districts to strengthen security and monitor the movement of anti-social elements.
Officials further stated that no vehicular movement was reported on National Highway-37 during the shutdown period, while security personnel remained deployed to closely monitor the situation and prevent any escalation.
