Tensions escalated in parts of Manipur following a three-day shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC), supported by the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur, which came into effect from midnight of April 20.
Clashes were reported between residents of Changoubung Kuki village and T. Khullen after attempts were made to enforce the shutdown in Naga-inhabited areas. According to initial reports, the situation turned tense when police tried to clear roadblocks set up by Naga volunteers. The confrontation intensified as both Kuki and Naga villagers became involved, leading to stone-pelting incidents and raising fears of a wider inter-community conflict.
In a related incident, a vehicle belonging to the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) was vandalised amid the unrest. While no confirmed reports of serious injuries have emerged, sources indicate that the situation in T. Khullen remains highly volatile, with security forces deployed to prevent escalation.
Separately, clashes also broke out in S. Changoubung Kuki village in Kangpokpi district on Monday. UNC volunteers, reportedly linked to a Tangkhul Kacha-Naga group, allegedly sealed the village gate and attempted to forcibly shut down local shops as part of the bandh.
Kuki residents resisted the move, stating that the shutdown should not be imposed in their village. The confrontation escalated when volunteers allegedly resorted to stone pelting, causing panic among villagers. Eyewitnesses said women and children took shelter indoors as tensions rose.
Police teams intervened promptly and managed to bring the situation under control. District authorities later confirmed that normalcy had been restored and no major injuries were reported. However, security presence has been increased as a precautionary measure.
Community leaders in Kangpokpi have appealed for calm, stressing that forcing a bandh or blockade on another community is unacceptable and could disrupt peace. They urged all groups to resolve differences through dialogue rather than confrontation.
