Manipur: Goods seized near Ukhrul after escorted vehicles stopped; Kuki groups impose NH-202 blockade
Tensions rose on the Imphal-Ukhrul route after vehicles were stopped and goods were reportedly seized at Shangkai village. Kuki-Zo civil society groups then set
Tensions have flared along the Imphal-Ukhrul route after escorted vehicles were reportedly stopped and commuters’ goods were seized near Shangkai, a Kuki village close to Litan Police Station. The incident took place on Monday around 10 am, when passenger vehicles and private cars that were part of an escort were allegedly forced to stop.
Goods allegedly offloaded in Shangkai village
A widely circulated video shows goods and commodities carried by commuters being offloaded at Shangkai village, with womenfolk seen at the scene. Security forces, including Manipur police, were also present, according to people familiar with the situation. However, the report did not mention an official statement from security agencies at the time.
The confrontation came as the Kuki CSO Working Committee (WCKCSOs)-Ukhrul announced a counter economic blockade on National Highway 202. The committee said the blockade would be enforced from midnight of 26 July 2026 following consultations with Kuki-Zo civil society organisations in Ukhrul and Kangpokpi.
Blockade allows travel for emergencies and security checks
In its statement, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul said the decision was not taken “out of choice,” but because Kuki-Zo communities in Ukhrul, Kamjong and Kangpokpi have faced what it described as long-running obstruction of essential commodities. The committee said it had earlier submitted memoranda, held meetings and accepted assurances, but felt those promises did not translate into action.
During the blockade, it said medical emergencies, passenger vehicles, travellers heading to catch flights, and Security Forces would be allowed after inspection to ensure that no goods are being transported. It also stated that all government and private institutions within the jurisdiction of 14 Kuki-Zo villages will remain closed until further notice. The committee added that it regretted any inconvenience while maintaining that it expects the government to ensure free movement of essential commodities through concrete steps.
- Incident location: Shangkai village near Litan Police Station along NH-202
- Time of reported stoppage: around 10 am on Monday
- Blockade effective: from midnight of 26 July 2026
