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Politics
JTC-Manipur orders shutdown of NH-37 and central projects over arrest of five Naga women
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 12 Sep 2026, 02:33 PM
👁 23
The Joint Tribal Council of Manipur has called for a complete shutdown of National Highway 37 and all central government projects in the state, protesting the recent detention of five Naga women.
Manipur’s Joint Tribal Council (JTC) announced on Monday that it will enforce a total shutdown of National Highway 37, a key arterial road linking the state’s eastern and western districts. The council also demanded the suspension of all ongoing central government projects in the region until the five Naga women, arrested earlier this week, are released.
According to JTC officials, the arrests were carried out without due legal process and are perceived as an attempt to suppress the Naga community’s political expression. The council warned that any attempt to resume construction or traffic on the highway would be met with organized resistance from tribal groups.
The central government has not yet issued a formal response, but sources indicate that officials are monitoring the situation closely, given the potential impact on infrastructure development and regional stability. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to maintain order while respecting the right to peaceful protest.
The shutdown, if fully implemented, could disrupt transport of goods and commuters across the state, affecting daily life and the economy. Local businesses and transport unions are awaiting further clarification on the duration and scope of the protest.
Stakeholders are urging dialogue between JTC representatives and the authorities to resolve the dispute and ensure that development projects can proceed without compromising community rights.
According to JTC officials, the arrests were carried out without due legal process and are perceived as an attempt to suppress the Naga community’s political expression. The council warned that any attempt to resume construction or traffic on the highway would be met with organized resistance from tribal groups.
The central government has not yet issued a formal response, but sources indicate that officials are monitoring the situation closely, given the potential impact on infrastructure development and regional stability. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to maintain order while respecting the right to peaceful protest.
The shutdown, if fully implemented, could disrupt transport of goods and commuters across the state, affecting daily life and the economy. Local businesses and transport unions are awaiting further clarification on the duration and scope of the protest.
Stakeholders are urging dialogue between JTC representatives and the authorities to resolve the dispute and ensure that development projects can proceed without compromising community rights.