Imphal West, April 23, 2026: Two youths from the Kuki community were arrested by security forces on Thursday after suspected contraband was recovered from their possession during the ongoing three-day shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC) in Manipur.
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| Two youths detained by security forces after locals recovered suspected ganja and ₹30,000 during enforcement of the UNC shutdown in Namdilong, Imphal West. |
The incident occurred at around 2:30 pm in Namdilong village under Sekmai Police Station when local residents enforcing the shutdown stopped a vehicle carrying the two youths for questioning.
According to reports, the individuals claimed to be from Kangpokpi district but were unable to speak Manipuri or provide proper identification, which raised suspicion among the locals. During a search, residents reportedly recovered suspected ganja and about ₹30,000 in cash from their possession.
The situation escalated when bandh volunteers set the motorcycle used by the youths on fire before informing the authorities.
Following the report, personnel from Sekmai Police Station, along with teams from the Commando unit (CDO), the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) from Kanglatongbi Shantipur and the Border Security Force (BSF), rushed to the spot.
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The two individuals were later taken into custody and handed over to the police for further investigation.
The incident occurred amid heightened tension during the three-day shutdown called by the UNC following the killing of two Naga civilians in an ambush along the Imphal–Ukhrul road earlier this week.
