• Blockades back in effect on 2 national highways in Manipur

    North East
    Blockades back in effect on 2 national highways in Manipur
    The roadblock on NH-2 connects Imphal to Dimapur, and NH-37, connects Imphal to Silchar in Assam...

    Digital Desk: The tribal authority of Manipur, the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), has declared an indefinite blockade of two national highways that serve as lifelines for landlocked Imphal, claiming that medicines and vital supplies are not reaching the hills.

    The roadblock is on NH-2, which connects Imphal to Dimapur, and NH-37, which connects Imphal to Silchar in Assam. 

    On August 17, COTU secretary Lamminlun Singsit warned that "highway blockades on NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) and NH-37 (Imphal-Silchar) would be reimposed if supplies of essential commodities to Kuki Zo communities in the state's hill areas are not ensured." 

    In addition to it, Manipur Police said on Sunday that the transit of 163 trucks carrying critical commodities on NH-2 has been ensured, and tight security measures have been implemented in all susceptible spots, as well as a security escort in sensitive stretches.

    Another tribal organisation, the Kuki Zo Defence Force, has also warned that if supplies of critical products and medications to Kuki-Zo inhabited areas are not ensured, blockades will be imposed beginning August 26.