Imphal, June 29 -- A 28-vehicle relief convoy carrying food and medicines to Kuki-Zo settlements in the Twilang region along the historic Imphal-Tamenglong Road (IT Road) faced a 24-hour ordeal after being repeatedly intercepted and attacked.

Following the incident, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Centre and the Manipur government, demanding the immediate reopening of all vital routes.

What is ordinarily a five-to-six-hour journey for civilians and central security forces turned into a 24-hour standoff along the IT Road in Kangpokpi district.

The crisis unfolded when the convoy, escorted by central security personnel, departed from Kangpokpi town.

The supply convoy was first halted at around noon...