Ukhrul, Manipur | EKHON: The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has strongly opposed the announcement of a total shutdown of the Imphal–Ukhrul Road allegedly called by a ‘self-styled’ Kuki organisation identified as the Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul. Describing the blockade call as “unwarranted and unlawful,” the apex Tangkhul body said such actions are unacceptable in a civilised society and severely disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens.
In a statement issued by its Working Committee, the TNL said the proposed bandh along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road—considered the lifeline connecting Ukhrul and Kamjong districts to the rest of the state—would cause immense hardship to commuters, transporters, students and patients who rely on the route daily.
The organisation also pointed out that such blockade calls contradict the ruling of the Supreme Court of India, which has previously held that bandhs violate citizens’ fundamental rights to freedom of movement, liberty and livelihood, besides causing significant economic and public disruption.
The TNL urged the Manipur State Government to intervene immediately and ensure that National Highway 202-A remains open for free and uninterrupted movement. It further called on authorities to deploy adequate security personnel and maintain round-the-clock Road Opening Party (ROP) patrols at sensitive stretches along the highway to prevent any obstruction to civilian movement.
Additionally, the Tangkhul body demanded strict legal action against the organisation responsible for the bandh call. It called upon the authorities to book the members involved and initiate appropriate legal proceedings, including the possibility of banning the Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul.
The TNL also raised concern over an incident that occurred on March 11, 2026, when two vehicles—a Baleno (MN06-LB1872) and a Maruti Alto (MN01W-5227)—were reportedly intercepted and seized along with passengers and their belongings by alleged Kuki militants at Shangkai village under Litan Police Station.
Calling the incident an act of intimidation against innocent civilians and students, the TNL demanded the immediate return of the seized vehicles and personal belongings. It urged the authorities to take swift steps to recover the illegally confiscated properties and ensure the safety and security of commuters along the route.
