The Central Working Committee of Tangkhul Naga Foothills’ Organisation (CWC-TNFO) had strongly objected to the collection of illegal tax as “passage tax” to vehicles plying on the National Highway 202 along the stretch of Shangkhai village by Kuki SoO cadres in the presence of state and central forces.
The press release issued by the Central Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation stated that “the CWC-TNFO expresses its profound concern over the continued failure to ensure the safety and security of innocent travellers along the foothill routes.
“In our earlier press release dated 18/04/2026 (Ref CWC/PR15/18/26), issued in the aftermath of the killing of two innocent travellers, we had unequivocally demanded the complete withdrawal of the escort service mechanism, as it had proven ineffective and unsafe.
“Despite this, the Central and State forces have resumed escort services even though the situation on the ground remains volatile and far from under control. Reports from recent days confirm that armed elements continue to fire from the Kuki Militants from the hills, endangering the lives of civilians and travellers.
“Furthermore, credible accounts from travellers indicate that vehicles moving under escort were halted at Shangkai village, in the presence of both State and Central security forces, by a group of Kuki militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement. During the incident, the group reportedly singled out passengers from Sharkaphung village, subjected all vehicles to frisking, issued threats, and obstructed their movement for nearly an hour. Alarmingly, an illegal levy was imposed, with Rs. 1,000 demanded from each small vehicle and Rs. 25,000 from each heavy vehicle as a condition for passage.
This raises serious and urgent questions:
What is the purpose of deploying escort services if civilians are unable to travel safely under their protection?
Why are such unlawful acts permitted to occur in the presence of security forces without intervention?
Under whose authority are these illegal levies being imposed and collected?
”The apparent inaction of the forces on the ground, despite such blatant violations, is deeply alarming and unacceptable. It gives the impression of either negligence or a failure of duty in upholding law and order.
“The CWC firmly states that, should any further untoward incidents occur, full responsibility will lie with the concerned State authorities, Central forces, and the Government for their failure to ensure the safety and security of the people.
“We reiterate our demand for immediate, transparent, and effective measures to restore genuine security and prevent further loss of innocent lives” state the press release issued by the Media/Information & Publicity, CWC, TNFO.
