Imphal, June 29: Tensions escalated in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district after a security-escorted convoy carrying essential supplies faced repeated obstruction along the Imphal–Tamenglong Road (IT Road), triggering a prolonged stand-off and delaying the movement of food, medicines and other critical commodities.
According to local sources, around 28 vehicles transporting essential goods and civilian passengers, including women and children, set out from Kangpokpi town under central security escort on Sunday. However, the convoy was first halted at Chawangkining village, a Liangmai Naga settlement located about 14 km from the district headquarters.
After negotiations, the convoy was allowed to proceed but was again intercepted at Thonglang Atongba village, where supporters of the blockade allegedly placed nail traps on the road, puncturing tyres of several escorted vehicles and bringing movement to a standstill.
The situation further escalated as a large group of protesters, mostly women from Thonglang Atongba and Thonglang Akutpa, gathered at the site, leading to an extended confrontation with security forces that lasted until late evening. Officials later deployed crowd-control measures, including tear gas and smoke shells, to disperse the gathering and restore movement.
Eyewitnesses from the convoy alleged stone pelting and slingshot attacks after vehicles resumed movement, damaging several civilian vehicles and raising safety concerns for passengers.
Authorities later deployed additional Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel to secure the route and assist in the evacuation of stranded vehicles. The convoy journey, which normally takes five to six hours, reportedly stretched close to 24 hours due to repeated disruptions.
Meanwhile, concerns over supply chain disruptions have intensified as the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Centre and the Manipur government, demanding immediate restoration of unrestricted movement along highways and inter-district roads connecting Kangpokpi.
The organisation alleged that prolonged restrictions have severely impacted the availability of food, medicines and essential supplies in Kuki-inhabited areas, warning that continued disruption could deepen the humanitarian crisis.
In a separate incident, protesters at Namdilong Kanglatongbi on National Highway-2 allegedly detained Nepali drivers, accusing them of transporting supplies to restricted areas. CoTU, however, rejected claims that any of its authorised medical teams were involved in the incident, stating that its healthcare operations function strictly through designated vehicles.
The organisation also condemned the alleged misuse of its name in connection with a vehicle reportedly carrying liquor, calling it an attempt to discredit its medical outreach services.
As the deadline issued by CoTU nears expiry, the situation remains tense, with both security concerns and humanitarian issues adding pressure on authorities to restore normal movement along key transport routes in the region.
