UKHRUL: Two Tangkhul Naga MLAs, Ram Muivah and Leishiyo Keishing held a key meeting with the Tangkhul Naga Long at its headquarters in Wino Bazaar, Ukhrul district.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of reported violence in Shangkai and Sharkaphung villages, along with heightened tension along the Imphal–Ukhrul highway, particularly between Litan and Shangkai. The situation has raised serious concerns among residents and disrupted normal movement in the region.
Speaking to the media, MLA Ram Muivah said the purpose of the visit was to engage directly with the apex Tangkhul civil society body to understand ground realities and listen to the concerns of the people.
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“We are deeply concerned about the violence in Shangkai and the tension along the highway. We came to meet Tangkhul Naga Long, hear their concerns, and explore ways to bring peace. The meeting was very cordial, and they have given valuable suggestions which we will convey to the Chief Minister,” he stated.
He further informed that the legislators would also reach out to members of the Kuki community at Mongkot Chepu and Shangkai during their return journey, in an effort to initiate dialogue and promote reconciliation.
Both MLAs reiterated their commitment to engaging all stakeholders and taking forward the suggestions shared during the meeting to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Earlier, at Litan Police Station, security personnel from the police, Border Security Force (BSF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) briefed the legislators on the prevailing law and order situation.
Later, the MLAs also met Kuki civil society organisations and village headmen at Shangkai, a Kuki village located along National Highway 202.
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Despite fresh incidents of firing reported from Sharkaphung village on Tuesday, where two residents sustained bullet injuries, while another two from Mongkot Chephu, the MLAs travelled by road along the Imphal–Ukhrul stretch of NH-202, underscoring the need to ensure safe passage for civilians.
The MLAs also paid a visit to the two injured victims at District Hospital, Ukhrul.
At present, commuters from Ukhrul and Kamjong districts are being forced to take a longer route via Hongbei under Kasom sub-division, resulting in travel times to Imphal stretching beyond 10 hours.
According to sources, the legislators assured that they would urge the Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, to provide adequate security along NH-202, especially between the Wungvei (Mahadev) and Litan stretches.
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They also indicated that they would request the state government to reconsider its decision to hand over the Thawai case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).