Manipur Tensions: Trucks, Buses Stranded on NH-2 for Sixth Day
18 May 2026 5:32 PM IST18 May 2026 5:32 PM IST
Security sources said that about 300 goods-laden trucks and nearly 700 passengers are stranded in the ongoing deadlock
People block a road after the normal life was paralysed by shutdowns called by the Kuki Zo and Naga communities against the killing of three church leaders and a civilian on Wednesday in Kangpokpi, in Churachandpur, Manipur, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (PTI)
Guwahati: Hundreds of trucks and passenger buses remained stranded on National Highway-2 in Manipur for the sixth consecutive day on Monday amid tensions between Kuki and Naga groups following the May 13 ambush.
Security sources said around 300 goods-laden trucks and nearly 700 passengers were stuck, most of them in Senapati district. The prolonged disruption has led to shortages of food, drinking water and essential supplies for those stranded along the highway.
Local residents, Assam Rifles personnel and drivers’ unions have been providing relief materials, while drivers, many from outside the state, have sought government escort to move out safely.
The crisis was triggered by an ambush on May 13 in which three church leaders from the Thadou tribe were killed, leading to tensions between the two communities and allegations of abduction.
According to the state home department, more than 38 persons were initially reported missing, of whom 32 have since returned. However, six persons from the Naga community, as claimed by the United Naga Council (UNC), and 14 from the Kuki community, according to Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), remain untraced.
Both sides have accused each other of holding their members captive. The UNC alleged that six Naga civilians, including two pastors, were still in the custody of Kuki militants despite search operations.
Citing failure to secure their release, the UNC announced an indefinite inter-district economic blockade on national highways passing through Naga-inhabited areas. It said, “Given the situation, we are constrained to launch an inter-district economic blockade along the national highways in the Naga areas in Manipur with immediate effect until the safe rescue and release of the Naga hostages are duly carried out.”
Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur extended its shutdown by 48 hours from midnight of May 17, alleging government inaction and failure to rescue missing members of the Kuki community.
Local residents, Assam Rifles personnel and drivers’ unions have been providing relief materials, while drivers, many from outside the state, have sought government escort to move out safely.
The crisis was triggered by an ambush on May 13 in which three church leaders from the Thadou tribe were killed, leading to tensions between the two communities and allegations of abduction.
According to the state home department, more than 38 persons were initially reported missing, of whom 32 have since returned. However, six persons from the Naga community, as claimed by the United Naga Council (UNC), and 14 from the Kuki community, according to Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), remain untraced.
Both sides have accused each other of holding their members captive. The UNC alleged that six Naga civilians, including two pastors, were still in the custody of Kuki militants despite search operations.
Citing failure to secure their release, the UNC announced an indefinite inter-district economic blockade on national highways passing through Naga-inhabited areas. It said, “Given the situation, we are constrained to launch an inter-district economic blockade along the national highways in the Naga areas in Manipur with immediate effect until the safe rescue and release of the Naga hostages are duly carried out.”
Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur extended its shutdown by 48 hours from midnight of May 17, alleging government inaction and failure to rescue missing members of the Kuki community.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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