Manipur tribal council has called for a shutdown of National Highway-37 (NH-37) and central government projects in protest against the arrest of five Naga women, adding fresh pressure to an already tense situation in the state. The move reflects growing anger among Naga community organisations over the arrests and concerns about the treatment of tribal civilians amid continuing ethnic and security-related tensions.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of repeated disruptions on Manipur’s major highways. NH-37, which connects Imphal with Jiribam and onward to Silchar in Assam, remains a vital route for fuel, food, medicines and other essential supplies. Authorities have repeatedly strengthened security along the highway to facilitate the movement of commercial vehicles and essential goods.
Manipur tribal council targets highway movement
The shutdown call is expected to affect movement along NH-37, a key lifeline for Manipur. Any prolonged disruption could have wider consequences because the highway carries essential commodities into the state, particularly when other routes face restrictions or security concerns.
NH-37 passes through Naga-inhabited areas, including Noney and Tamenglong, before reaching Jiribam. The route has witnessed several protests and blockades in recent years, with tribal and civil society groups using highway shutdowns to press demands related to security, administration, development and community rights.
In March 2025, for instance, security forces had to facilitate the movement of essential-goods vehicles along NH-37 during a separate shutdown affecting other highways. More than 200 goods-laden vehicles, including LPG tankers, were reported stranded during that period, highlighting the economic impact of prolonged road blockades.
Protest extends to central projects
The Manipur tribal council has also called for action against central government projects, signalling that the protest is not limited to road movement.
Such opposition has precedent in Manipur’s Naga areas. The United Naga Council and other Naga organisations have previously imposed restrictions on national projects when they believed community interests, land rights or political concerns were being overlooked. In 2014, for example, Naga organisations imposed a ban on national projects and vehicular movement in Naga areas during a period of heightened political tension.
Central and northeastern development programmes currently cover sectors such as agriculture, markets, bridges, water supply and infrastructure in Manipur. Government project records show several projects being implemented through schemes of the North Eastern Council and other central programmes.
Arrests raise concerns among Naga groups
The immediate trigger for the latest protest is the arrest of five Naga women. Community representatives have objected to the arrests and are seeking action from the authorities.
The development comes at a particularly sensitive time for Naga communities in Manipur. The state has experienced a series of violent incidents involving Naga civilians in 2026. On August 27, five Naga civilians were killed and another injured when unidentified gunmen allegedly ambushed their vehicle in Kangpokpi district. The United Naga Council subsequently accused Kuki armed groups of involvement, although the perpetrators had not been officially identified.
Earlier in August, two Naga civilians were also killed and two others injured in an attack at Langka Naga village in Kangpokpi. The Liangmai Naga Council responded with an emergency shutdown in Liangmai-inhabited areas, while security forces were deployed in the affected region.
These incidents have contributed to heightened apprehension among Naga communities and increased demands for security, accountability and protection of civilians.
Highway shutdown adds pressure
The latest decision by the Manipur tribal council could put additional pressure on the state and central authorities to address the concerns surrounding the arrests.
For the administration, maintaining uninterrupted movement on NH-37 is likely to remain a priority. Manipur Police had previously introduced enhanced security arrangements along the highway, including convoy protection, coordination among state police, central forces, Assam Rifles and the Army, and special measures against extortion.
At the same time, community organisations have repeatedly argued that security measures must be accompanied by dialogue and confidence-building efforts.
Wider implications for Manipur
The protest illustrates how quickly local arrests or security operations can develop into wider political and community mobilisation in conflict-affected Manipur. Shutdowns and highway blockades have repeatedly disrupted normal life, affecting businesses, transporters, students and residents who depend on roads for access to essential services.
For the government, the immediate challenge will be to prevent further escalation while ensuring that due legal process is followed in the cases involving the five women. A transparent explanation of the arrests could also help address concerns raised by Naga organisations.
The response to the shutdown will be closely watched as Manipur attempts to manage continuing ethnic tensions and restore confidence among communities. With NH-37 serving as one of the state’s principal supply routes, any extended blockade could quickly affect daily life beyond the areas directly involved in the protest.
The latest move by the Manipur tribal council therefore places renewed focus on the balance between community grievances, legal action, public order and uninterrupted access to essential supplies. Dialogue between the authorities and Naga representatives could prove important in preventing the dispute from developing into a broader confrontation.
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