Naga Group Calls for Blockade in Manipur Over Death of Protesters

Two protesters were killed in the clashes in Ukhrul on Saturday.

IMPHAL:  The United Naga Council has declared an indefinite ban on all vehicular traffic on national and state highways in Naga-dominated areas in Manipur from September 4.  

The blockade is likely to hit the supply of essential commodities to the state as the ban will prevent transport trucks from making their way to Manipur's capital Imphal.

The United Naga Council, the apex political organisation of Nagas, called for the ban after two people were killed in Ukhrul district, nearly 85 kilometres from Imphal, after police allegedly opened fire on protestors.

The organisation had claimed the Manipur police commandos and jawans of the India Reserve Battalion had fired on the protesters -- who they claimed were unarmed -- indiscriminately. 

The police claimed that they initially used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators but resorted to firing when they heard gunshots.

The Council was protesting against the imposition of Section 144 in Ukhrul. It has earlier accused the Manipur government of working against the interest of the Naga community, and claimed that the state government does not want a peaceful and immediate settlement of the Naga issue.