UKHRUL: The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has strongly opposed what it described as an “unwarranted and unlawful” call for a total shutdown of the Imphal–Ukhrul Road issued by the self-styled Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul.
In a statement, the TNL said the bandh on the crucial Imphal–Ukhrul Road which is an arterial lifeline for Ukhrul and Kamjong districts was unacceptable under any circumstances in a civilised society. The organisation stated that the road serves as a vital link connecting the region with the rest of the state and that any attempt to block it would severely affect civilians, essential movement, and economic activity.
The body further argued that the bandh call contradicts the position taken by the Supreme Court of India, which has previously held that bandhs violate citizens’ fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, personal liberty, and the right to livelihood, while also causing widespread public and economic disruption.
The TNL urged the Government of Manipur to intervene immediately to clear National Highway 202-A and ensure uninterrupted movement along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road. It also called on authorities to requisition additional security forces and deploy Road Opening Parties (ROP) on a 24-hour basis in sensitive stretches to prevent any obstruction to commuters and transporters.
Further, the organisation demanded that authorities initiate legal action against the Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul, describing it as an unlawful body, and urged that steps be taken in accordance with the law, including the possibility of banning the organisation.
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The TNL also raised concern over the incident on March 11, 2026, when two vehicles, a Baleno (MN06-LB1872) and a Maruti Alto (MNO1W-5227) were allegedly intercepted and seized along with passengers and their personal belongings by Kuki militants at Shangkai village under Litan Police Station. It demanded that the vehicles and seized property be returned immediately and called on authorities to take urgent steps to recover the belongings of the civilians and students affected by the incident.