Manipur: Kuki body announces NH-37 shutdown over attack on Kangpokpi village
Imphal: The Kuki CSO Working Committee (KCWC), South West Sadar Hills, on Monday announced a 24-hour shutdown along National Highway-37 (Imphal-Silchar) following an alleged attack on Thingkhojang Kuki village in Manipur's Kangpokpi district that reportedly left several civilians injured and houses damaged.
In a statement, the KCWC alleged that unidentified armed assailants attacked the village on Sunday while residents were attending a church service. It claimed that women and children were among those injured and that several houses were set ablaze.
The organisation condemned the incident and announced a non-cooperation movement against the 86 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), alleging that personnel stationed nearby failed to prevent the attack.
The KCWC demanded a thorough and impartial investigation, the immediate arrest of those responsible, and relief and medical assistance for the affected residents from the Centre and the Manipur government.
The shutdown comes amid an indefinite economic blockade on National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur), which has entered its 52nd day. The blockade is being enforced by Naga civil society organisations, including the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), over the killing of six Liangmai Naga civilians in May.
Meanwhile, police said security forces continued search operations and area domination exercises in fringe and vulnerable areas across the state. It said 114 checkpoints had been established across hill and valley districts.
They added that no movement of vehicles were reported on National Highway-37.