A 12-hour total shutdown brought Senapati district to a standstill today, a day after the United Naga Council (UNC) suspended its economic blockade on National Highway-2 following a tripartite agreement with the Centre and Manipur government.
The shutdown, called by the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) from 6 am to 6 pm, was held to mourn three Naga civilians killed in the Kailengjang shooting and demand justice for the victims. Shops, markets, government and private offices and transport services remained closed, while movement of vehicles, including security convoys, was suspended.
The shutdown and renewed protests have raised questions over the government’s failure to prevent fresh civilian killings despite the tripartite engagement aimed at addressing tensions in Naga-inhabited areas.
The three civilians were killed in the Kailengjang shooting on Saturday. K. Rocky Osanah of Chowainamai Khullen and Kh. Kumar of Laii Shirafii died at the spot, while 49-year-old Ashiho Sani of Shajouba village, who was critically injured, succumbed at a private hospital early Sunday.
The NPO demanded prosecution of those responsible, alleging involvement of armed Kuki elements. The allegation could not be independently verified.