JTCM Calls Total Shutdown Over Arrest of Five Naga Women

Tamenglong, September 11, 2026: The Joint Tribes’ Council Manipur (JTCM), representing the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme tribes, has condemned the alleged “illegal, biased and unjust” arrest of five Naga women by a CRPF Cobra team at Noney (Longmai) headquarters and declared a total shutdown of National Highway-37 (NH-37) and Central Government-sponsored projects within its territorial areas.

According to a statement issued by the JTCM on September 11, the five women arrested are Rose Kamei, Stella Thaimei, Khamsinliu Phaomei, Kumtharla Kamei and Ellen Kamei. The council described them as peaceful and innocent Naga women and said their arrest was an assault on the democratic rights of the people.

The JTCM also accused the Governments of Manipur and India of failing to deliver justice in connection with what it described as the killing and mutilation of six Naga men. Instead of holding those responsible accountable, the council alleged that the CRPF Cobra team had chosen to arrest, “terrorise and attack” Naga Village Guards (NVG) in their own territory.

The council said the continued targeting of Naga people, including innocent women and men, and the peaceful democratic movement had deeply hurt the sentiments of the Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui communities.

Shutdown declared

With immediate effect, the JTCM has announced:

1. Total shutdown of NH-37: All movement of vehicles and goods along NH-37 is prohibited until further notice.
2. Total shutdown of Central Government projects: All centrally sponsored projects located within the territorial jurisdiction of the JTCM, covering Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui areas, are to be halted with immediate effect.

The JTCM has demanded the unconditional and immediate release of the five arrested women. It warned that if the CRPF Cobra team fails to release them immediately, the council will be “compelled to take stringent action”.

The statement said responsibility for any consequences arising from the continued detention would rest solely with the CRPF Cobra team, Government of Manipur and Government of India authorities concerned.

The JTCM further warned that any individual, group or organisation violating or going against the shutdown declaration would do so at their own risk and would be deemed to be acting against the cause of the Naga people. It said such defaulters would bear full responsibility for any untoward incidents arising from their actions, adding that the JTCM would not be held liable for such incidents.

At the same time, the council appealed to the people of the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme communities, and Nagas in general, to remain united and resolute in what it described as a peaceful democratic struggle. It also called for calm and discipline while enforcing the shutdown.