UNC blockade strands over 200 trucks
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 11 2026: Saying that around 200 empty oil tankers and goods trucks are currently stranded at Keithelmanbi due to the economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC), the Manipur Drivers' Association (MDA) has appealed to all organisations and groups concerned not to use highways as a means of pursuing their demands.

Addressing the media at Kwakeithel today, MDA general secretary Sanjoy Kshetrimayum said that the association condemns yesterday's attack on transporters at Noney, which left five drivers injured and damaged around 20 vehicles.

UNC blockade strands over 200 trucks

He also said that the MDA endorses the steering-down strike being observed by oil tanker drivers and transporters against the attack on drivers.

He said the demand raised by the UNC in response to the brutal killing of six Naga civilians is legitimate, but attacking drivers who were transporting essential supplies for the State is unfortunate.

Pelting stones at drivers could have resulted in loss of lives, he said, urging the Government to provide adequate security escorts for drivers operating on highways, deploy the Highway Protection Force, and conduct regular Road Opening Party (ROP) operations to ensure uninterrupted movement of vehicles.

He further urged the Government to address the issues plaguing Manipur in a timely manner and take steps to prevent the imposition of economic blockades on the highways.

Moreover, Sanjoy highlighted the poor condition of highways at various locations and urged the Government to undertake necessary repairs.

Later, a team of the MDA, led by its president Babhudon and secretary Sanjoy, visited the drivers stranded at Keithelmanbi.

Speaking to the media, one of the stranded drivers said that the journey from Imphal to Jiribam takes around 15 to 20 days due to the poor condition of the highway.

Saying that miscreants continue to collect illegal taxes from drivers even when they are travelling under security escort, he urged the Government to look into the challenges faced by drivers and take necessary steps to address them.

The stranded drivers also raised slogans such as "Don't obstruct the movement of transporters" and "Repair the National Highways", among others.