Authorities in Manipur have registered 58 First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with offences along National Highway 202 in Ukhrul district following ethnic clashes that broke out between the Kuki and Naga communities earlier this year. The detailed disclosure was presented by the Ukhrul district police through a status report submitted to the Manipur High Court on August 25. The submission came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that urged judicial intervention to guarantee unhindered and safe transit for civilians as well as vehicles carrying essential goods along the critical road corridor.
Judicial Scrutiny and Lifeline Status of NH-202
Highlighting the strategic necessity of the route, both the police administration and local district officials informed the High Court that National Highway 202 serves as a pivotal economic artery for Ukhrul and the adjoining Kamjong district. The highway represents the primary transport link connecting these remote eastern districts to the state capital, Imphal. To prevent blockades, protect public safety, and ensure free flow of traffic, law enforcement agencies stated they have executed prompt, firm, and impartial legal and operational strategies along the highway network.
FIR Cases and National Investigation Agency Referral
According to the police submission, all reported cognisable crimes occurring on the Mahadev to T M Kasom stretch of NH-202 have been systematically booked at the Litan Police Station. A total of 58 FIRs have been formally logged since the initial onset of communal friction on February 8, 2026. Given the severity of certain incidents, two specific criminal cases have already been handed over to the National Investigation Agency for deeper probing. One of these transferred cases pertains to incidents involving Kuki victims, while the other involves victims from the Tangkhul community. Furthermore, formal legal procedures are currently underway to transfer additional cases involving scheduled offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to the NIA.
Massive Armed Force Deployment Along Highway Corridor
To safeguard the movement of goods and civilians, substantial security forces have been stationed along the NH-202 belt to execute road-opening operations, area domination duties, and protective convoy escorts. Within the jurisdictional limits of the Litan Police Station alone, the security apparatus includes two companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) alongside nine companies of the Border Security Force (BSF). Additionally, eight columns from the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have been positioned along the route, supported by one platoon and one section drawn from the 6th Manipur Rifles, alongside regular local police personnel. These joint forces remain actively deployed to dominate sensitive sectors and provide armed escorts for essential commodity supply convoys.
