United Naga Council ends four-month Manipur blockade

The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of Naga tribes in Manipur, has announced the end of a four-month economic blockade on the state's national highways. This decision follows a tripartite meeting held in Guwahati between the UNC, the Government of India, and the Manipur state government.

The blockade, which began in May, targeted the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) and the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2). These routes serve as critical lifelines for the landlocked northeastern state. The UNC initiated the blockade following the kidnapping of six Naga citizens from Leilon Waifei village in Kangpokpi district, whose bodies were later recovered in June.

The prolonged disruption significantly impacted the transport of essential goods and fuel, leading to price increases and supply shortages across Manipur. Following the agreement reached during the talks at the BSF Guwahati Frontier Headquarters, UNC President NG Lortho confirmed the suspension of the blockade effective Saturday evening.