Manipur: Kuki CSO launches indefinite NH-202 Imphal-Ukhrul shutdown over killings

Imphal: The Kuki Civil Social Organisation (CSO) Working Committee, Ukhrul district, has launched an indefinite total shutdown along the NH-202 Imphal-Ukhrul Road.

The shutdown is in protest against the killing of two Kuki individuals and demands the relocation of all Kuki villages in Ukhrul to Kangpokpi district.

The committee has refused to claim the mortal remains of Thenkhogin Baite and Thangboimang Lunkim until the perpetrators are identified, arrested, and awarded capital punishment. They condemned the killing of the two men, whose bodies were recovered on March 12, 2026, and moved to Imphal for post-mortem examination.

Amid taking security measures to handle the crisis, the Manipur government has announced additional helicopter services from Imphal to Ukhrul and vice versa.

Meanwhile, "Khanuithot-Khon" (Voice of the Youth) has served an ultimatum to the residents of Shangkai Kuki village in Ukhrul district to immediately vacate the village, citing ongoing tensions between the Tangkhul and Kuki communities.

Reminding the Kuki community that they are residing in the village at the "sole discretion and mercy of the landowners," the group stated, "Your repeated atrocities towards the civilians have proven that you have mistaken our pursuit of peace for weakness and our hospitality for entitlement."

The group further warned that should the villagers fail to comply with the ultimatum, it would be forced to take all necessary measures to ensure their immediate removal from the Naga territory.

Amid the prevailing situation, the State Transport Department has scheduled additional helicopter services for the Imphal-Ukhrul-Imphal route in view of urgent public transport requirements, given the grave situation along NH-202.

Transport Director Khumanthem Diana stated in a notification that two helicopter sorties have been scheduled for March 14, one sortie each for March 15 and 17, and two sorties for March 18.

The chopper services have been arranged over and above the regular sorties, subject to weather conditions.