Thousands of trucks remained stranded along National Highway-2 in Manipur as rival blockades and shutdowns by Kuki and Naga organisations continued, severely affecting the movement of essential supplies and passenger vehicles across the state.

The crisis follows tensions triggered by the May 13 ambush incident in the hill districts, which led to allegations of abduction and detention from both communities. The parallel protests have disrupted transport on NH-2, considered one of Manipur’s key lifelines connecting the state with Nagaland.

The United Naga Council announced an inter-district economic blockade in Naga-inhabited areas, claiming that several Naga civilians, including pastors, are still missing despite search operations and repeated appeals to authorities.

At the same time, Kuki Inpi Manipur extended its shutdown for another 48 hours, alleging that the government had failed to rescue missing Kuki persons reportedly taken hostage in Senapati district.

The prolonged blockade has caused major hardship for truck drivers and passengers stranded on the highway, with reports of shortages of food, drinking water and other essentials. Local residents, Assam Rifles personnel and transport unions have been assisting stranded travellers with relief materials.

Officials said security forces have intensified search and domination operations in vulnerable areas of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts following intelligence inputs regarding militant movement. Surveillance and combing operations have also been stepped up in sensitive hill regions to restore normalcy.

Authorities earlier stated that over 38 people were initially reported missing after the violence, though 32 individuals have since returned safely. Efforts are continuing to trace those who are still unaccounted for.

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M. K. Stalin has reportedly told party district secretaries to remain prepared for a possible political change in the state, claiming that the government led by Vijay “can fall anytime”.

According to reports, Stalin made the remarks during an internal interaction with party functionaries following the recent political developments in Tamil Nadu. He reportedly asked DMK leaders and cadres to stay ready for elections at any moment amid speculation over the stability of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government.

The comments come days after Vijay’s TVK formed the government in Tamil Nadu following a dramatic post-election phase. TVK had emerged as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections but initially faced uncertainty over securing enough support to form the government.

Stalin questions TVK’s political rise

Stalin also reportedly criticised TVK’s campaigning style and suggested that the party gained influence through social media outreach and youth engagement. He maintained that despite the electoral defeat, DMK’s welfare schemes and governance legacy still continue to influence the state.

The DMK leader is also said to have announced a review process within the party to assess the reasons behind its election setback and gather constituency-level feedback from workers and the public.

Political tensions continue in Tamil Nadu

The political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu has remained tense since the Assembly election results. Several reports over the past week have highlighted intense negotiations, alliance discussions, and concerns around government stability before Vijay finally took oath as Chief Minister.

Some DMK leaders have also publicly questioned the durability of the new administration, adding to the political confrontation between the two camps.

Movement along National Highway-2 in Manipur was severely affected after Kuki and Naga groups enforced shutdowns and economic blockades linked to rising ethnic tensions in the state. Hundreds of trucks and vehicles were reportedly stranded as the protest disrupted one of the region’s key transport routes.

The blockade was reportedly connected to protests over missing persons and recent incidents of violence involving members of the Kuki and Naga communities. The shutdown led to transport disruptions across several areas, affecting the supply chain and movement of passengers.

Security forces intensified operations in Kangpokpi district following reports that several civilians had been held hostage by armed groups. Reports said six Naga and 14 Kuki individuals were among those allegedly abducted, prompting strong reactions from community organisations.

The United Naga Council announced an indefinite inter-district economic blockade, alleging that the state government had failed to ensure the safe release of the hostages. Protest actions and shutdown calls by tribal organisations added to the tense situation across parts of the state.

Manipur has witnessed continuing ethnic unrest since 2023, with tensions involving Meitei, Kuki-Zo and Naga groups periodically leading to clashes, shutdowns and blockades. Recent incidents have further widened concerns over security and stability in the hill districts and adjoining areas.

Authorities have deployed additional security personnel in sensitive areas, while efforts are underway to restore normal movement along the highway. Further details are awaited from officials regarding the duration of the blockade and the ongoing security operations.