Noney women freed, JTCM lifts total shutdown on NH-37
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 12 2026: The Joint Tribes' Council Manipur (JTCM) has lifted with immediate effect its total shutdown on National Highway-37 (NH-37) and all Central Government projects following the release of five Naga women who were arrested earlier.

In a statement issued today, the JTCM said the five women viz Rose Kamei, Stella Thaimei, Khamsinliu Phaomei, Kumtharla Kamei and Ellen Kamei have been released, following which the shutdown was withdrawn.

The JTCM had announced the shutdown on September 11 in protest against the "unwarranted arrest" of the five women.

While withdrawing its specific shutdown call, the Council said the intensification of the economic blockade called by the United Naga Council (UNC) would continue.

According to the JTCM, the UNC's economic blockade remains part of the collective democratic movement seeking justice and accountability from the State and Central Governments over the "continued injustices" against the Naga people.

The Council also stated that the withdrawal of the shutdown should not be construed as a withdrawal of its demand for justice.

It said the JTCM would continue pursuing accountability in connection with the killing of six Naga men who were abucted from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13 .

The JTCM, meanwhile, thanked the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, Zeme and other Naga communities for their unity, discipline and peaceful cooperation during the shutdown and appealed to people to remain calm, disciplined and united in their democratic struggle.

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