UNC to Intensify Manipur Highway Blockade From Wednesday

The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body representing Naga communities in Manipur, has announced an escalation of its economic blockade across major national highways in the state. The intensified action is slated to commence from 1 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

The decision was formalised following an Emergency Presidential Council meeting held in Ukhrul on September 2. During the meeting, the UNC reviewed the state government's response to its core demands, which it deemed insufficient.

The organisation has justified the move by pointing to the lack of justice for the families of six Liangmai Naga civilians. These individuals were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13 and subsequently killed. The UNC's principal demands include punitive action against those responsible for the deaths and the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, who the council accuses of aligning with Kuki armed groups.

According to a statement from UNC spokesperson H. James Hau, the indefinite blockade will cover National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur), NH-202 (Imphal-Ukhrul-Jessami), NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam), and NH-102A (Tadubi-Ukhrul).

Vehicles transporting essential commodities and providing critical services—including medical supplies, media, power, telecommunications, and water supply—will be exempt from the blockade.

The move is expected to disrupt public transport along the Imphal-Guwahati route via NH-2, which had only resumed operations in August after a suspension lasting over three years. Highway movement had been severely curtailed following the outbreak of ethnic violence between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities on May 3, 2023.

State Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas recently informed the assembly that the ongoing ethnic clashes, including those between Kukis and Nagas since February, have resulted in at least 306 fatalities.