IMPHAL : The humanitarian landscape in Eastern Manipur has reached a critical tipping point. The ongoing NH-202 crisis has now paralyzed the Imphal–Ukhrul National Highway for nearly two months. Following an arson attack in Litan on February 8, the region’s primary supply route has faced constant disruption. However, the situation turned dire on March 13. At that time, members of the Kuki community imposed an indefinite blockade. This move followed the discovery of two deceased individuals in the Thawai forest.
Stranded Convoys and a Stalled Supply Chain
Currently, the impact of the NH-202 crisis is most visible near the Yaingangpokpi Police Station. Over 20 heavy trucks carrying essential items for the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and Indian Oil are currently immobile. These drivers have remained stranded for 11 consecutive days. Many transporters, including oil tanker driver Premjit Baniya, expressed fear over the safety of their goods. Without guaranteed security escorts, these vital supplies cannot reach the two lakh residents of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
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Moreover, the blockade has turned a standard 2.5-hour journey into a grueling 10-hour ordeal. Commuters must now navigate long, expensive detours to reach Imphal. Local resident Asung Siro noted that the abduction of 21 passengers on March 12 further shattered public confidence. Although the state government successfully negotiated the release of those captives, the highway remains a “no-go” zone for many.
Escalating Violence in Sinakeithei Village
The security vacuum has led to frequent unprovoked firing incidents. Reports indicate that armed groups are operating freely near Sinakeithei and Thoyee villages. Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah recently visited these areas to witness the devastation firsthand. He described seeing burnt forests, destroyed cottages, and new bunkers built within village compounds. The MLA alleged that militants from the Sinai camp are openly wielding sophisticated weapons.
During a high-level meeting on the Cheiraoba holiday, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh addressed the NH-202 crisis. He directed Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen to use her office to facilitate the blockade’s removal. The Chief Minister warned that the state might use force if democratic channels fail to reopen the highway. MLA Muivah emphasized that while every community has grievances, taking the law into one’s own hands is unacceptable in a democracy.
Grassroots Vigilance Amidst Growing Despair
In the absence of a permanent security solution, local civilians are taking precautions. In Wunghon Tangkhul village, women are conducting roadside inspections to monitor the flow of intoxicants and ensure community safety. Meanwhile, the village authority of Sinakeithei has requested additional central security forces. They fear that limited personnel cannot stop the ongoing intimidation and firing.
The resolution of the NH-202 crisis is now a race against time. With food stocks dwindling and the risk of monsoon rains damaging stranded goods, the pressure on the Manipur government is immense. Residents continue to demand a secure, uninterrupted corridor to restore the normalcy that has been missing for weeks.