Vehicular movement along Manipur’s two lifeline highways has been severely affected following a “trade embargo” imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) in protest against the Centre’s decision to end the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and construct fencing along the 1,643-km India–Myanmar border.
Reports stated that no goods-laden trucks arrived in Imphal from the Jiribam side on Wednesday, though around 124 empty trucks were observed moving towards Jiribam along National Highway-37. Meanwhile, over 100 loaded trucks remained stranded at Mao Gate on National Highway-2.
The UNC, the apex body of Naga tribes in Manipur, initiated the embargo by halting the movement of commercial goods along NH-2 and NH-37, particularly in Naga-dominated areas. The blockade has disrupted supply chains to several parts of the state, affecting both the Imphal Valley and southern Kuki-dominated hill districts.
In solidarity with the UNC, the Chandel Naga Civil Bodies announced their opposition to the proposed border fencing and the termination of the FMR. Leaders from sector units and the District Monitoring Cell of Chandel pledged to continue the agitation until their demands are addressed.
The embargo has notably impacted Senapati, Ukhrul, and Tamenglong districts, with trucks carrying essential goods remaining stuck at various checkpoints. The UNC expressed disappointment over what it termed the Centre’s “lack of response” to their concerns, highlighting a failed meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs on August 26.
According to the council, the government’s decision to fence the border and repeal the FMR would physically divide Naga tribes across Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Myanmar, threatening their cultural identity and ancestral ties.