The Manipur Government has ordered the deployment of additional security forces to Namdilong in Imphal West district to disperse protesters enforcing an economic blockade along National Highway-2, even as questions continue to be raised over the government’s failure to restore unrestricted movement on National Highways blocked for years in Kangpokpi district.
The latest move comes as the economic blockade at Namdilong entered its 28th consecutive day. The agitation, spearheaded by the Liangmai Naga community and supported by local Meitei and Nepali residents, was launched on June 5 to demand justice for the six Liangmai Naga civilians allegedly abducted and killed on May 13, 2026.
The protesters are demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killings and have also condemned what they describe as a confessional statement issued by members of the Kuki community in connection with the incident.
According to an order issued on Wednesday by the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, a multi-agency force has been mobilised to restore normal movement along the highway. The deployment is being led by Additional Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) Rojit Irom, Deputy Superintendent of Police (CDO) K. Dineshkumar, SDPO Lamphel Rescue Shimray and Officer-in-Charge of Sekmai Police Station Inspector M. Jiten Singh.
The security deployment includes personnel from Manipur Police, Village Defence Force (VDF), two teams of the Commando Unit (CDO), one company of the 194 Battalion of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), and two platoons of the 152 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The government’s decision has drawn attention as it comes despite the continued restrictions on free movement along National Highways passing through Kangpokpi district, where Kuki civil society organisations have been enforcing prolonged restrictions on the movement of members of certain communities. While the State has refrained from taking stringent measures to restore unrestricted movement in those areas, it has moved swiftly to dismantle the blockade at Namdilong.
Report said that around 40 Naga and Meitei women volunteers continued to monitor traffic at Namdilong crossing, preventing trucks and other vehicles carrying goods and essential commodities from travelling towards Gamgiphai and Kangpokpi district from the Imphal and Kanglatongbi sides.
However, inter-state and inter-district passenger buses, Winger services, security force vehicles and emergency service vehicles, including ambulances, were allowed to pass through the blockade.
Sources at the protest site said volunteers had stepped up mobilisation after reports emerged that security forces could be deployed to forcibly disperse the demonstrators. Protest organisers reportedly appealed for more volunteers to gather at the site to strengthen the ongoing agitation.