By M Devanand Sharma
Imphal (Manipur), April 21: The United Naga Council’s 72-hour shutdown turned volatile on its opening day after volunteers enforcing the bandh on National Highway 2 clashed with locals at T. Khullen village in Senapati district Monday.
Trouble began around morning when UNC volunteers set up blockades on the Imphal-Dimapur stretch to halt traffic. Residents of Changoubung Kuki village and T. Khullen objected to the shutdown, leading to heated arguments that quickly escalated.
Sources said both sides pelted stones during the confrontation. Gunfire was also heard from the vicinity, though it is yet to be confirmed who fired the shots. No casualties were reported till evening.
The UNC called the 72-hour total shutdown across Naga areas of Manipur to press its demands. Senapati, a key transit point on NH-2, saw commercial vehicles off the road and passenger movement hit as volunteers strictly enforced the bandh.
Police and additional security forces rushed to T. Khullen to control the situation and prevent the violence from spreading to nearby villages. Patrols have been intensified along the highway.
The shutdown has cut off a crucial supply route linking Imphal with Dimapur and Nagaland. District officials said they are monitoring the situation and have urged both groups to maintain calm.
