Security tightened along national highways in Manipur

Security measures have been tightened along two national highways in Manipur in view of indefinite blockade by hill-based United Naga Council (UNC) from tomorrow in protest against the death of two persons in police firing on August 30 last.
Manipur Education Minister and government spokesman M Okendro said security convoy would be provided along these two national highways, Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati and Imphal-Jiribam- Silchar routes, through which all essential items were brought in the state everyday from 6 AM to 6 PM tomorrow.
He said road opening party comprising security personnel would also be deployed at various parts of the two national highways which are considered lifeline of land-locked Manipur.

A UNC spokesman said they have called for blockade of the two national highways in protest against the killing of two persons and injury of two others in police firing at Naga-majority Ukhrul district headquarters on August 30 during a peaceful rally and against the imposition of prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC.
Police and security personnel in order to control mob which violated provisions of the section 144 CrPC opened fire resulting in the deaths of two, official sources said.
The prohibitory orders in the district were imposed about two months ago after killing of a prominent autonomous district council member Ngalangjar Malui by suspected Naga militants who were roaming freely in Ukhrul town, the sources said adding that eight suspected militants were arrested in this connection.

Some hill-based social organisations, including UNC, opposed the imposition of the prohibitory orders and organised a public rally on August 30 defying the prohibitory orders during which the firing took place and the deaths.