Tear gas fired as protesters block NH-202 in Manipur’s Ukhrul district

Security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters blocking NH-202 in Ukhrul district amid tensions over alleged hostage-taking by Naga groups. At least five women suffered minor injuries as shutdowns and protests intensified over abducted community members in Manipur’s hill districts

Imphal: Security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse protestors who had blocked National Highway 202 in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday, officials said.

People from Shangkai village, who were enforcing a shutdown in their area to protest the alleged holding of 14 community members hostage by Naga groups, had blocked part of the vital highway from Imphal to Ukhrul district headquarters.

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At least five women sustained minor injuries during the incident and were given first aid treatment by security forces, they said. Protesters stagged heavy stone boulders, tree trunks and gathered in the middle of the road, disrupting the movement of essential supplies and security forces towards the Ukhrul district headquarters.

Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of Kuki tribes in the state, had announced an indefinite total shutdown in all areas inhabited by the tribal community to protest the abduction of 14 individuals allegedly by Naga groups.

More than 38 people were abducted and held hostage by armed groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts on May 13, hours after three church leaders were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi district.

Of them, 31 people have been released, including 12 Naga women and 16 Kukis. Six Naga men, however, continued to be held hostage, and their whereabouts are not yet known.

Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki tribes in the state, also claimed that 14 people from the community continued to be held hostage by Naga groups.