Manipur: UNC suspends four-month economic blockade on highways after Centre, state talks

The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body representing Naga tribes in Manipur, on Saturday announced the suspension of its nearly four-month-long economic blockade on the state’s national highways from 6 pm.

The decision followed tripartite talks in Guwahati involving the UNC, the Manipur government and the Centre on the prevailing law-and-order situation and measures to promote peace in the state. The UNC said the suspension was based on an agreement reached during the meeting.

The blockade had disrupted the movement of goods and commercial vehicles along key highways, affecting the supply of essential commodities and contributing to price increases across Manipur. The agitation had initially focused on NH-2, linking Imphal with Dimapur, and NH-37, connecting Imphal with Jiribam.

The UNC launched the blockade following the abduction and killing of six Liangmai Naga civilians in May. Their bodies were recovered on June 10, according to the original account.

The council had subsequently expanded the blockade to additional national highways, including NH-202 and NH-102A, while exempting vehicles carrying essential services such as medical supplies, power, telecommunications and water.

Fresh update: The blockade had continued for about 131 days before Saturday’s decision. The suspension came after a three-hour tripartite meeting in Guwahati, marking a significant development in efforts to address the Naga community’s grievances and ease disruptions to highway movement in Manipur.

with inputs from PTI