People travelling from Imphal to Dimapur are facing a tough time due to the blockade on Imphal-Dimapur National Highway 2 (NH-2), which has been going on since Monday, August 21st. A tribal outfit of Manipur has been spearheading the blockade on Imphal-Dimapur NH-2, demanding the fulfilment of their demands.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) had on Monday reimposed blockades at a few places on NH-2 in Kangpokpi district and NH 37 in Tamenglong district, demanding uninterrupted and adequate supply of foodgrains, essential commodities and medicines to the mountainous areas inhabited by Kuki-Zo communities.
Manipur has been suffering due to ongoing ethnic violence between the valley-based dominant Meitei community and the hill-based Kuki tribe.
The blockade on Imphal-Dimapur NH-2 has reportedly added to the inconvenience that the people of the northeastern state amid the violence.
Meanwhile, security forces provided security cover to facilitate the movement of vehicles along the Imphal-Jiribam NH-37. Due to the blockade on Imphal-Dimapur NH-2, the supply of essential items and food grains was affected in many parts of the tribal-dominated areas.
“Strict security measures have been taken in all vulnerable locations and security convoy has been provided in the sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of vehicles”, an official reportedly told the press.
On the other hand, another tribal organisation, the Kuki Zo Defence Force, has announced that it would join the blockade on NH-2 if the supply of essentials is not made to the Kuki and Zo tribe-inhabited areas.
NH-2, the surface lifeline of Manipur, was blocked for nearly two months after ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3rd. The blockade on Imphal-Dimapur NH-2 was lifted only in July after the Union government interfered.
