Police Deploy Tear Gas on Manipur Protesters Blocking Key Highway

Security forces used tear gas to clear demonstrators from Manipur's National Highway 202. Villagers protested the alleged abduction of 14 individuals by Naga groups. The blockade disrupted essential supplies and movement of security personnel. Minor injuries occurred during the intervention.

In an effort to disperse protestors, security forces released multiple tear gas shells after demonstrators blocked National Highway 202 in Manipur's Ukhrul district. This blockade, enacted by residents of Shangkai village, was in response to the alleged hostage-taking incidents involving 14 community members by Naga groups.

The blockage critically disrupted the transportation of essential goods and affected the movement of security personnel bound for Ukhrul district's main areas. During the altercation with security forces, at least five women sustained minor injuries, receiving first aid on site.

The protest action was coordinated by Kuki Inpi Manipur, a leading body of the Kuki tribes, announcing an indefinite total shutdown in tribal areas due to the kidnappings. Previously, over 38 individuals were reportedly abducted by armed entities in neighboring districts in connection to a deadly ambush that killed three church leaders.

Although 31 hostages have been released over time, the fate of six Naga men and others from the community remains uncertain, as affirmed by Kuki representatives. Efforts to locate and ensure the release of the remaining captives continue in the complex socio-political landscape of the region.