Life disturbed on day 1 of three day UNC sponsored shutdown
Intense stand off ensues at T Khullen village
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati/Kangpokpi/Ukhrul, April 21 2026 : Even as the three-day shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC) brought normal life to a standstill across several hill districts, clashes erupted between Kuki and Naga people at T Khullen in Kangpokpi district today.

According to initial reports, confrontations broke out between Changoubung Kuki villagers and residents of T Khullen over the enforcement of the shutdown in Naga-inhabited areas when a police team attempted to clear a roadblock set up by Naga volunteers enforcing the shutdown.

The situation turned tense after Changoubung Kuki villagers reportedly became involved, with resistance also emerging from sections of Naga villagers.

Intense stand off ensues at T Khullen village

The situation further escalated as incidents of stone pelting were reported between residents of Changoubung Kuki village and T Khullen, intensifying an already fragile and volatile atmosphere.

The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) said the violence that broke out at T Khullen was 'shamelessly' orchestrated by the Kukis of Changoubung Village in connivance with the Kuki militant groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact.

The Tangkhul Naga group also said that SoO cadres fired several rounds of automatic rifles at the Naga volunteers during the violence.

Our Kangpokpi correspondent also reported that several persons from both sides were injured during the clash.

A woman from South Changoubung was also injured.

Security forces deployed at the spot struggled to bring the situation under control as mobs clashed and resorted to stone pelting.

Subsequently, gunshots including bursts from automatic weapons were heard in the area.

In a related development, a vehicle belonging to the Senapati District Student's Association (SDSA) was vandalised amid the tussle, though details regarding injuries remain unclear at the time of filing this report.

Sources on the ground indicate that the situation in T Khullen remains highly tense, with fears of further escalation if immediate measures are not taken to de-escalate TNL, in a press statement, stated that activists of the Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) were peacefully enforcing the shutdown along National Highway 202 to mourn the brutal killing of two Tangkhul civilians by Kuki armed groups on April 18 .

However, in the early hours today, Kangpokpi police reportedly arrived at T Khullen and attempted to arrest one of the Tangkhul Naga volunteers while intimidating others by loading their assault rifles, according to TNL .

Condemning the incident, the statement further claimed that some unruly Kuki miscreants, emboldened by the "biased actions" of the State police, provoked the volunteers in an effort to disrupt the shutdown and started removing the barricades along the highway.

Repeated provocations from the Kuki individuals led to a violent confrontation, during which they pelted stones at the Naga volunteers, injuring several civilians and damaging two vehicles belonging to the Nagas, it said.

TNL claimed that cadres of Kuki militant (SoO) groups fired several rounds from automatic rifles at Naga volunteers during the violence that ensued, despite the presence of both State and Central security forces.

Instead of ensuring the safety of civilians, the security forces fired multiple rounds of bullets and tear gas shells at the Naga volunteers while allowing the Kuki armed cadres and their associates to run scot free, it alleged and added that the restoration of peace and normalcy will not be possible unless both Central and State forces act neutrally.

TNL urged the State Government to immediately identify and book the individuals responsible for flaring up violence today at T Khullen.

The South Changoubung Village Authority (SCVA), on the other hand, alleged that individuals from T Khullen crossed into its jurisdiction, obstructed public roads, and disrupted the movement of residents.

The situation escalated when the volunteers reportedly entered the village and attempted to coerce local shopkeepers into shutting down their establishments, it said in a statement.

"Such acts undermine mutual respect between neighbouring communities and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances," the statement said.

While condemning the incident in the strongest terms, SCVA clarified that it harbours no hostility toward the people of T Khullen and does not oppose the bandh called by the United Naga Council.

The Village Authority has urged all parties concerned to exercise restraint, respect established boundaries, and uphold peaceful coexistence.

It also called upon the relevant authorities to take immediate and appropriate action to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and to safeguard the rights and security of villagers.

Volunteers enforcing the United Naga Council's total shutdown, on the other hand, alleged that the confrontation stemmed from a dispute over the enforcement of a road blockade along the highway.

They claimed the situation escalated after two youths from Changoubung village attempted to remove stones placed on the road to halt vehicular movement.

The youths reportedly objected to the blockade, asserting that the area fell under their jurisdiction.

The attempt to clear the roadblocks triggered a heated exchange, which later turned confrontational.

Meanwhile, an uneasy calm prevailed in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts today, despite the absence of any untoward incidents during the shutdown.

The Ukhrul District Headquarters appeared deserted, with shops and other establishments closed.

Inter-district travel was restricted, and both private vehicles and passengers were not allowed to move freely.

Residents of the town stayed indoors as bandh supporters enforced strict restrictions on public movement.

All offices, schools, and colleges were also closed in both Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.

At the time of filing this report, there were no reports of any unfortunate incidents in the two districts.

Notably, the UNC had also announced a candlelight vigil on April 23 at 6.30 pm, to be held in all Naga District Headquarters and in Imphal to mourn the two Tangkhul Naga civilians who were killed in an ambush near TM Kasom a few days ago.

At Chandel volunteers of the Chandel Naga People's Organisation and at least eleven other Naga bodies enforced the shutdown.

Bandh enforced by the organisations, including the Naga Students' Union Chandel, Naga Chiefs' Association Chandel, and Japhou Bazar Authority, completely halted vehicular movement along the National Highway-102 and left markets deserted.

The highway was blocked at Khangsim area near Pallel by Maring frontal organisations, and at Aimol road area and Thamlapokpi by a number of volunteers.

Locals of Shangreiphung, Liwachangning, Kapaam, V Wangparal, Heigrutampak, Toupokpi, Beru Wangkhera, Lamphoupasna, Lambung, Ralruwng, Vomku, Khambhathel, Salluk, Beaula, and Y/Khutha, Chakpikarong, Sulam, Green Hills, and Maha were seen enforcing the shutdown.

The Chandel District Headquarters bore a deserted look with complete closure of markets, business establishments, educational institutions, and banks.

Women led the protesters in many locations.

Attendance at Government offices, including the Secretariat was low.

No untoward incidents were reported at the time of filing this report.