Imphal: Tension along the Imphal West–Kangpokpi border escalated on Thursday after personnel of the Indian Army stopped hundreds of Kuki protesters at Kanto Sabal in Imphal West before they could reach a checkpoint set up by Naga blockade enforcers.The protesters, gathering from the Leimakhong side, attempted to march to a gate erected by Naga volunteers at Kanto Sabal, alleging that the ongoing blockade has triggered acute shortages of food grains, medicines and other essential commodities in Kuki-dominated areas of Kangpokpi district.Army personnel from the Leimakhong Garrison intercepted the procession at Kanto Sabal, stopping the crowd just metres short of the checkpoint and preventing them from moving further in what was described as an effort to avert a possible confrontation in the communally sensitive area.After being halted, the protesters held a demonstration near the intervention point, raising slogans demanding the immediate restoration of traffic on NH-2 and the uninterrupted movement of essential supplies to the hill districts.The attempted march took place amid a prolonged economic blockade disrupting the movement of goods into Kuki-Zo inhabited areas. Naga groups have enforced the blockade following heightened tensions between the Naga and Kuki communities after the murder of six Naga civilians.Even as the Kuki protesters were blocked from advancing, members of the Naga and Meitei communities continued their sit-in and blockade at the Namdilong Kanglatongbi area along NH-2, saying their agitation would continue until those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.Addressing the gathering, Landingam Kamei, president of the Naga Humanitarian Aids Committee, said the blockade would continue until justice is delivered for the six victims.He also warned transporters and traders against supplying goods and essential commodities to Kuki-dominated areas, saying action would be taken against those who violate the blockade.Thursday’s incident was the second major attempt in recent days by Kuki-Zo protesters to challenge the blockade along the Imphal West–Kangpokpi border, underlining rising volatility around NH-2.
