UKHRUL/SENAPATI: A three-day shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC), joined by the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), which came into effect from midnight of April 20, has triggered tension between Changoubung Kuki villagers and residents of T. Khullen over the enforcement of the shutdown in Naga-inhabited areas.
According to initial reports, confrontations broke out when local police attempted to clear a roadblock set up by Naga volunteers enforcing the shutdown. The situation turned tense after Changoubung Kuki villagers reportedly became involved, with resistance also emerging from sections of Naga villagers.
The situation further escalated as incidents of stone pelting were reported between residents of Changoubung Kuki village and T. Khullen, intensifying an already fragile and volatile atmosphere.
In a related development, a vehicle belonging to the Senapati District Student’s Association (SDSA) was vandalised amid the tussle, though details regarding injuries remain unclear at the time of filing this report.
Sources on the ground indicate that the situation in T. Khullen remains highly tense, with fears of further escalation if immediate measures are not taken to de-escalate tensions.
Police and security forces have been deployed and are closely monitoring the volatile situation to prevent any untoward incidents.
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