TRIBAL CLASHES IN MANIPUR AFTER SHUTDOWN CALL; PROHIBITORY ORDERS IMPOSED

PTI, April 21, 2026, Imphal :  Protesters from two tribal communities clashed at the border of Senapati and Kangpokpi districts in Manipur on Tuesday over a shutdown called by a civil society organisation, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders, officials said.

The clash broke out when security personnel attempted to clear a roadblock set up by Naga volunteers enforcing a three-day shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC) to protest the April 18 killing of two persons in Ukhrul district, they said.

The situation escalated after Kuki villagers from Changoubung became involved, leading to stone-pelting between the two sides, they added.

“A few rounds were fired during the commotion. However, it is not clear who did it,” an official said.

Following the incident, the administration imposed restrictions in the Kangpokpi sub-division under Section 163(1) of the BNSS.

The order barred the movement of people outside their residences from 6 pm until further notice.

Kangpokpi District Magistrate Mahesh Chaudhari said police had reported apprehensions of serious threats to the lives and property in and around S Changoubung, T Khullen villages and adjoining areas, particularly along the NH-2 stretch in the sub-division.

The three-day shutdown, which began at midnight on April 20, affected normal life in Naga-inhabited areas, including Ukhrul, Kamjong, Senapati, Noney and Tamenglong.