Shutdown strands over 600 trucks on NH-2
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 17 2026: Around 600 vehicles remain stranded on National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur road) due to a shutdown imposed by Kuki organizations.

Of these, approximately 200 vehicles each are stuck at Tumuyon Khullen and Lairouching in Senapati district, and Kanglatongbi.

These vehicles have been stranded for the past five days following a hostage crisis triggered by the deadly ambush at Saheibung Peak, Zero Point, located between Kotzim and Kotlen under New Keithelmanbi in Kangpokpi district on May 13, which claimed the lives of three Thadou Church leaders.

On the same day, another civilian was killed in an ambush at Joujangtek area in Noney district.

Shutdown strands over 600 trucks on NH-2

In response to the crisis, the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' & Motor Workers' Union (AMRTD& MWU) distributed essential items to drivers stranded along the Sekmai- Kanglatongbi stretch.

An affiliated body of the Union also provided relief to drivers in Senapati.

Speaking to the media, AMRTD&MWU general secretary Maimom Anil appealed to the Government to assist the stranded drivers, emphasising that Imphal-Dimapur road is a vital route for transporting goods.

Despite the risks involved, it is the transporters who have been working to deliver essential goods to both the hill and valley districts, Anil said.

Anil urged all concerned to allow movement of transporters, emphasizing that many stranded drivers are from other States and such incidents may discourage them from coming to Manipur.

He also called on the Government to ensure adequate security so transporters can continue their work safely.

Hindustan Times also reported passengers, drivers and transport operators are facing hardship as essential supplies continue to run low in the area.

"We are facing a lot of hardship as we've been stranded here since the last five days.

Some of the passengers have even gone back to their respective destination while some have taken alternative routes," lamented Sukur, a stranded passenger bus driver.

He claimed lack of sanitation facilities and water supply and said, "We buy rice at Rs 110 per kg, potato at Rs 80 per kg.

So we're appealing to the Government for immediate intervention" .

Imphal-Mao sector of the NH-2 serves as one of Manipur's key supply lines connecting the State with neighbouring regions and plays a vital role in the transportation of goods, fuel and other essential commodities.

The continued shutdown has raised concerns over possible shortages and disruption of supply chains if traffic movement is not restored soon.