Indefinite shutdown enforced on NH-202 Imphal–Ukhrul road over killings

The Kuki Civil Social Organisation Working Committee of Ukhrul district has launched an indefinite total shutdown along the NH-202 Imphal–Ukhrul road in protest against the killing of two Kuki individuals.
The organisation has also demanded the relocation of all Kuki villages in Ukhrul district to Kangpokpi district. It has refused to claim the mortal remains of Thenkhogin Baite and Thangboimang Lunkim until the perpetrators are identified, arrested and awarded capital punishment.
Condemning the killings, the committee stated that the bodies of the two men were recovered on March 12, 2026 and later taken to Imphal for post-mortem examination.
Meanwhile, a group named “Khanuithot-Khon” (Voice of the Youth) has issued an ultimatum to residents of Shangkai Kuki village in Ukhrul district to vacate the village immediately, citing ongoing tensions between the Tangkhul and Kuki communities. The group stated that the Kuki residents were living in the area at the discretion of the landowners and warned that failure to comply with the ultimatum would compel it to take steps to ensure their removal from what it described as Naga territory.
Amid the prevailing situation and disruptions along NH-202, the State Transport Department has arranged additional helicopter services between Imphal and Ukhrul to meet urgent public transport requirements.
According to a notification issued by Transport Director Khumanthem Diana, two helicopter sorties were scheduled on March 14, one sortie each on March 15 and March 17, and two sorties on March 18. The additional services have been arranged over and above the regular sorties and will operate subject to weather conditions.