Restricted movement on NH-02 and NH-37 stalls Manipur’s survival and growth, locals lament lack of movement
- ANI feature stories focused on Manipur -

*

Location: Imphal / Churachandpur

  Manipur has been grappling with conflict and blockades for nearly two years, severely disrupting daily life.  

As a landlocked state, it relies heavily on NH-02 and NH-37—its lifelines connecting Imphal to Nagaland and Assam—for essential goods, fuel, medicine, and access to healthcare, education, and jobs.  

Since the violence began, movement between the valley and hill districts has been severely restricted, worsening the crisis.  

Ringku Khumukcham, 
Editor, Imphal Times 
              (Transcription) These are the two lifelines of the state and the progress of the state and the development of the state solely depends on the highways. So, since 2023, May 3, the border highways have been blocked, because of the crisis that sparked on that day itself.  

Residents say both communities are now confined to designated zones, with limited freedom of movement outside their respective areas.  

Meisnam Birjit
Advisor, United Youth Club, Kanglatombi Bazar Board
(Translation) We are in a lot of trouble. Right now, we can't go there, and they can't come here. Whenever we have to go out for work, we have to travel by flight. Middle-class people can't afford this. I want to request the Central Government to implement the Free Movement Regime here as soon as possible.    

Efforts were made following the Union Home Minister’s directive to restore free movement, but protests and blockades have repeatedly thwarted those attempts.  

While Manipur has seen relative peace since the Governor’s rule began, tensions continue to simmer just below the surface.  

Thiyam Bharat Singh, 
Associate Prof. Manipur University
(Transcription) there is economic blockade on the national highway, there is a shortage of essential commodities, sometimes security guarded the vehicles, good laden trucks, then they arrive at Imphal. But sometimes these supplies do not come in time, so people are suffering.  

New Zoveng Village in Churachandpur District witnessed a rabies outbreak in April this year and suffered greatly due to delayed medical aid. The delays were primarily caused by movement restrictions arising from ethnic tensions.  

At least three lives were lost, and over 700 dog bite cases were reported in the area. As a result, the district was declared a containment zone under the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897.   

Jospen Lalhaulian
Sister-in-law of a rabies victim
Transcription) Due to rabies outbreak, we have lost our beloved brother, Zistep Lololian. We are very sorry for that. This is due to non-availability of proper medicine.  

The ongoing conflict and movement restrictions in Manipur have not only hindered daily life but also critically delayed urgent medical aid during emergencies like the rabies outbreak, highlighting the urgent need for restored free movement and sustained peace.