The United Naga Council (UNC) has intensified an economic blockade that is disrupting the movement of goods trucks on Manipur’s national highways, deepening the state’s shortage of essential commodities. The blockade, which began at 1 a.m. on September 9, now extends indefinitely to major routes including NH‑37, NH‑202 and NH‑102A.
Manipur has already suffered from limited supplies of basic goods for several months, partly due to poor road conditions and long travel times on key corridors such as NH‑37, the Imphal‑Jiribam stretch. Earlier this year the UNC had imposed a blockade on NH‑2, the Imphal‑Dimapur section, and the new extension follows that pattern.
Since the announcement, trucks carrying goods have been halted on NH‑37, with several vehicles stranded beyond Noney district where UNC supporters reportedly enforced the blockade. The UNC stated that all goods‑laden vehicles would be barred, while those carrying emergency supplies—medical, media, power, telecommunications and water—would be exempt.
The council’s action is part of an indefinite inter‑district blockade that began in June, demanding justice for six Naga civilians who were killed by Kuki armed groups in Kangpokpi district. The UNC described the blockade as a collective expression of grievances over the hostages’ deaths, and the Manipur government has warned that any unlawful road blockades will be prosecuted.
