The Highway Blockade Intensifies situation in Manipur as the United Naga Council (UNC) expands its indefinite inter-district economic blockade to several major national highways. The escalation began from 1 a.m. on September 9, 2026, affecting key routes connecting Manipur with neighbouring regions.
The UNC says the blockade seeks justice and accountability over the deaths of six Naga civilians. Meanwhile, authorities face growing pressure to protect public movement and maintain essential supplies across the state.
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Highway Blockade Intensifies Across Major Routes
The Highway Blockade Intensifies as the UNC extends its ongoing economic blockade beyond NH-2 to other major highway corridors. The affected routes include NH-2, NH-37, NH-202 and NH-102A, according to the council’s statement.
NH-2 connects the Imphal-Mao-Dimapur corridor, while NH-37 provides the important Imphal-Jiribam connection. Additionally, NH-202 serves the Imphal-Jessami route, and NH-102A connects Tadubi with Ukhrul. Together, these highways carry significant passenger and commercial traffic.
The UNC announced the expansion after an Emergency Presidential Council meeting held in Ukhrul on September 2. The organisation said it reviewed the government’s response to its demands concerning the deaths of six Naga civilians.
According to the council, goods-laden vehicles will not be allowed to move through the affected areas. However, the UNC said vehicles carrying essential emergency services, including medical supplies, power, telecommunications and water-related supplies, would remain exempt.
Consequently, the blockade has created a significant distinction between commercial traffic and essential services. Nevertheless, the restrictions on goods vehicles have already affected normal supply movement along several routes.
NH-37 Faces Immediate Traffic Disruptions
The Highway Blockade Intensifies most visibly along NH-37, where reports indicate that goods-laden vehicles have become stranded. The Imphal-Jiribam highway remains a crucial supply corridor for Manipur, particularly when other routes face disruptions.
Reports from September 10 said loaded trucks were stranded around Noney Bazar and Khumji. Meanwhile, shops and business establishments in Longmai Bazar reportedly closed amid the agitation and confrontation with security forces.
The situation also involved reports of stones and boulders being placed on the road and tyres being burned around Noney Bridge. Reports further said that stones were thrown at loaded trucks travelling under security escort.
Authorities subsequently strengthened security arrangements in vulnerable locations. Rapid Action Force and CRPF CoBRA personnel were deployed at strategic points across Noney district amid the blockade.
The developments have consequently increased concerns for transport operators. On September 12, petroleum and oil-lubricant drivers began an indefinite cease-work strike after an incident along the Imphal-Jiribam highway that reportedly injured drivers and damaged vehicles.
Therefore, the impact of the blockade extends beyond the formal restriction announced by the UNC. Security concerns and transport workers’ decisions can further influence the availability and movement of essential commodities.
Blockade Linked to Demand for Justice
The Highway Blockade Intensifies against the backdrop of a prolonged dispute over the deaths of six Naga civilians. The UNC has linked its agitation directly to demands for justice and accountability in the case.
The six Liangmai Naga civilians were reportedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13, 2026. Their remains were recovered during a search operation on June 10, according to multiple reports.
The UNC has criticised the government’s response and demanded action against those responsible. It has also called for the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, a political demand made by the organisation amid its wider campaign.
Nine Naga legislators also abstained from the final sitting of the Manipur Assembly session on September 7, citing the alleged abduction and killing of the six civilians and demanding action. Their move added political pressure to an already sensitive situation.
However, allegations concerning responsibility for the deaths remain matters for investigation and legal determination. Therefore, claims against particular individuals or groups should not be treated as established facts unless confirmed through competent authorities.
The blockade consequently represents both a transportation disruption and a broader political and civil-society protest. The UNC describes it as a collective expression of grievances, while the government has warned against unlawful highway blockades and obstruction of public movement.
Supply Concerns Grow as Blockade Continues
The Highway Blockade Intensifies at a time when Manipur already faces challenges in maintaining stable supplies. Reports indicate that essential commodity shortages have developed after months of uncertainty along important highways.
Hundreds of trucks were reported stranded at New Keithelmanbi on September 12, including oil tankers and goods vehicles affected by the UNC blockade. The continuing disruption has raised concerns about the movement of fuel and other commodities.
Transport operators have also appealed to organisations involved in the blockade not to use highways as a means of pursuing demands. The Manipur Drivers’ Association reportedly raised concerns after around 200 trucks and oil tankers became stranded at Keithelmanbi.
Furthermore, the government had already warned that unlawful road blockades and activities disrupting public movement could lead to prosecution. The warning came shortly before the UNC expanded its blockade.
This creates a difficult administrative situation. Authorities must protect the right to peaceful democratic expression while also ensuring that highways remain accessible for essential transportation and emergency services.
Meanwhile, the UNC has appealed for public cooperation until it believes justice has been delivered. The council’s exemption for essential emergency services indicates that it has attempted to distinguish critical supplies from ordinary commercial traffic.
Nevertheless, prolonged restrictions could have wider economic consequences if commercial traffic remains disrupted. Therefore, continued dialogue and lawful resolution of the underlying dispute remain important for restoring predictable movement across Manipur’s highway network.
Conclusion
The Highway Blockade Intensifies as the United Naga Council expands its indefinite economic blockade from NH-2 to NH-37, NH-202 and NH-102A. The action reflects the UNC’s demand for justice and accountability over the deaths of six Naga civilians.
The immediate effects are already visible along NH-37, where trucks have been stranded and security forces have strengthened their presence around vulnerable areas. Additionally, transport workers have raised concerns over safety following reported incidents involving goods vehicles.
Therefore, the situation remains significant for both public order and the movement of essential commodities. A durable resolution will require attention to the underlying justice demands while also ensuring safe and lawful access to Manipur’s major transportation corridors.
FAQs
What does the Highway Blockade Intensifies development mean?
The Highway Blockade Intensifies development refers to the UNC’s decision to expand its indefinite economic blockade to several major national highways across Manipur from September 9, 2026.
Which highways are affected by the UNC blockade?
The blockade covers NH-2, NH-37, NH-202 and NH-102A, according to the UNC’s announcement.
Why did the UNC intensify the blockade?
The UNC said it intensified the blockade to demand justice and accountability over the deaths of six Naga civilians in May 2026.
Are essential services exempt from the blockade?
Yes. The UNC said vehicles carrying essential emergency services such as medical supplies, power, telecommunications and water supplies would be exempt.
How has the blockade affected NH-37?
Goods-laden trucks have been stranded along parts of NH-37, particularly around Noney and other locations, while security forces have increased their presence along vulnerable stretches.
