Manipur’s key national highways, NH2 (Imphal to Mao) and NH37 (Imphal to Jiribam), remain closed due to ongoing ethnic tensions that have persisted since May 2023.
These vital routes, which serve as lifelines for the landlocked state, pass through areas predominantly inhabited by communities involved in the conflict. As a result, civil societies, militant outfits, and community members have imposed blockades, restricting movement and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), a tribal body, reimposed an indefinite blockade on both highways in August 2023, citing the lack of essential supplies reaching the hill areas. This action was taken after the government failed to ensure the delivery of medicines and other necessities to the Kuki-Zo communities in the region. The blockade has severely disrupted the transportation of goods and services, leading to shortages and increased hardships for the affected populations.
Efforts by authorities to reopen the highways have been unsuccessful. In March 2024, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the national highways would be open by March 8. However, a bus carrying two passengers was unable to pass through the highway, and approximately 40 security personnel were injured when militants and supporters of various organizations attacked the convoy. This incident underscored the volatile situation and the challenges faced in restoring normalcy.The ongoing blockades have not only hindered the movement of people but have also impeded the delivery of essential goods, including food, medicines, and fuel. The disruption of supply chains has led to increased prices and scarcity of basic commodities, further exacerbating the economic strain on the local population. The closure of these highways has also affected the transportation of students, patients, and other individuals requiring urgent travel, leading to delays and, in some cases, life-threatening situations.
In response to the escalating crisis, the central government imposed President’s Rule in Manipur in February 2025. This decision followed the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid mounting pressure from opposition parties and civil society groups. The imposition of President’s Rule aimed to restore stability and governance in the state, with the central government assuming direct control over the administration. However, the situation on the ground remains tense, and the effectiveness of this intervention in resolving the ongoing conflict is yet to be seen.
The closure of NH2 and NH37 continues to have a profound impact on the daily lives of Manipur’s residents. The blockades have isolated communities, disrupted trade and commerce, and hindered access to essential services. While the central government’s intervention may provide a framework for addressing the political aspects of the crisis, a comprehensive solution will require dialogue, reconciliation, and sustained efforts to address the underlying ethnic tensions that have fueled the conflict.As Manipur grapples with these challenges, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution that will restore normalcy and ensure the well-being of all its citizens.
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Tags:
Manipur Highways, NH2, NH37, Manipur Conflict, Presidents Rule, Travel Disruption
