UKHRUL: A white Bolero Camper carrying passengers from the Kuki community was stopped at Shangshak on Thursday during a local patrol, sources reported. The vehicle was allegedly found transporting an SBBL gun and a muzzle-loading firearm, which were subsequently seized.
According to sources, Tangkhul women stationed at various points across Tangkhul Naga areas have been monitoring movement within their jurisdiction following recent tensions between the Tangkhul and Kuki communities. The intensified vigilance comes after the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), in a directive issued on February 24, instructed all Tangkhul Naga villagers to immediately cut civic and economic ties with the Kuki community.
To enforce the directive relating to economic disengagement, women volunteers have been conducting checks at key locations. It was during one such checking at Shangshak that the Bolero Camper was stopped.
Upon inquiry, the individual in possession of the firearms reportedly admitted that the weapons were being transported to Saikul in Kangpokpi district. Sources stated that the group was travelling from Chassad towards Saikul. Saikul lies in proximity to Litan, where an earlier confrontation between the communities had taken place.
Given the prevailing sensitivity of the situation, the volunteers seized the weapons. However, the individuals travelling in the vehicle were reportedly allowed to leave without further incident.
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