The Joint Tribal Council of Manipur (JTCM) has withdrawn its complete shutdown of National Highway 37 and Central‑government projects after five women were released from detention in Noney district. The decision follows the release of Rose Kamei, Stella Thaimei, Khamsinliu Phaomei, Kumtharla Kamei and Ellen Kamei.
The five women were arrested by the CRPF CoBRA unit at Noney Bazar after stone‑pelting incidents on September 10 that disrupted a convoy of loaded trucks. The attack injured at least five drivers, two of whom were critically wounded and one was admitted to an ICU in Imphal.
Despite lifting the shutdown, the JTCM maintains restrictions on loaded vehicles traveling the Imphal‑Jiribam section of NH‑37, as the United Naga Council continues an inter‑district economic blockade. The council says the blockade remains a key element of its democratic movement demanding accountability from state and central governments.
Truck and petroleum tanker drivers continue a strike, with no vehicles resuming service. Members of the All Manipur Petroleum Products Drivers’ Association staged a sit‑in outside Malom Oil Depot, demanding enhanced security, a departmental inquiry, and revised SOPs for convoys during blockades.
JTCM reiterates that the release of the five women does not resolve the deeper grievances of the Naga people. The council calls for justice for the six murdered hostages in Kangpokpi district and urges the government to address long‑standing injustices that fuel the ongoing blockade.
