United Naga Council enforces trade embargo in Manipur amid border tensions

Imphal: United Naga Council (UNC) has enforced a trade embargo across Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, leaving numerous goods-laden trucks stranded along NH-2. The embargo, which began at midnight on Sept 8, is a protest against the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the ongoing construction of a border fence between India and Myanmar.The embargo comes close on the heels of a recent decision by the Kuki-Zo Council to reopen National Highway-2, following a tripartite Suspension of Operations Agreement, which had briefly restored the flow of commuters and essential goods.UNC supporters have reportedly intercepted trucks bound for Imphal, offloading essential goods, including life-saving drugs and baby food, at Taphou, Senapati. The embargo targets the movement of goods vehicles through Naga-majority districts such as Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong, Kamjong, and Noney.The UNC has condemned the unilateral abrogation of the FMR and the imposition of border fencing, viewing these actions as a threat to the historical, social, and cultural ties shared across the 398-km international border with Myanmar. Naga groups warn that these measures could disrupt cross-border community linkages and undermine traditional movement practices.“The trade embargo is indefinite. We will not back off until the Centre stops the border fencing and reviews the Free Movement Regime,” a UNC executive member said. NH-2 and NH-37 are the lifelines of Manipur and essential commodities are transported from neighbouring states, particularly via Dimapur to Imphal, which passes through Senapati and NH-37 runs through Tamenglong and Noney. State govt officials comments could not be availed as most of them are engaged in meeting over prime minister Modi’s visit to ManipurAdding to the tension, a video clip showing a Kuki militant allegedly intercepting a passenger bus at Molnom in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Monday morning has sparked anxiety among the Tangkhul community. The footage, first posted on the Kuki Facebook page Zokhan Khaul, carried a chilling caption: “Free movement at your own risk.”