Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of the Naga community in Manipur, has announced a state-wide ‘trade embargo’ in Naga-inhabited areas starting midnight of September 8.
The move comes in protest against the Centre’s decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and construct fencing along the India–Myanmar border.
The embargo will restrict the movement of goods vehicles on major highways passing through Naga-dominated districts, including Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong, Kamjong and Noney.
These routes are vital lifelines for Manipur, which depends heavily on supplies from neighbouring states.
National Highway 2, connecting Dimapur to Imphal through Senapati, and National Highway 37, linking Silchar to Imphal via Tamenglong and Noney, are expected to be the most affected.
In a statement issued Wednesday night, the UNC said the decision was taken at its presidential council meeting on August 11.
“The embargo will remain in force in all Naga areas from midnight of September 8, 2025, until further notice,” it declared, while urging the Naga public to extend full support.
The council argued that since January 2024, it has repeatedly conveyed its opposition to the government’s border policy through memoranda, rallies, demonstrations and press statements.
However, the Centre’s “indifferent attitude” has now compelled the Nagas to adopt stronger measures, it said.
Manipur shares a 398-km-long international border with Myanmar.
Naga groups have consistently opposed both the abrogation of the FMR, which earlier allowed borderland residents to travel 16 km across either side without visas, and the ongoing fencing project, calling them detrimental to the rights and sentiments of border communities.
