MP Dr Bimol raises NH blockades in Parliament
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 19 2025: Inner Manipur MP Dr Angom-cha Bimol Akoijam raised the issue of frequent imposition of blockades in Manipur sector of the national highways (NH 2 & 37), its impact on the state's economy and daily lives of its citizens during the zero hour of the Lok Sabha's sitting on Wednesday.

Drawing attention of the House to the blockade on the two highways, he emphasised that these crucial roads have long been plagued by illegal taxation imposed by armed groups, with the situation worsening amidst the ongoing crisis in the state.

Citing inflated cost of essential goods, Dr Bimol pointed out the severe economic impact of these blockades.

"A cement bag that costs only Rs 300 or Rs 350 in Dimapur (Nagaland) is being sold for Rs 700 to Rs 800 in Imphal.

This is not just a recent problem - it has been going on for decades.

But now, it has reached a critical stage," he said, underlining the economic hardship faced by the people.

He pointed out that certain groups are using the blockade as a means to enforce communal segregation, holding the people of Manipur "to ransom in the name of separate administration".

He further alleged that these groups have actively opposed the free movement of people and resisted efforts to resettle displaced citizens in their original homes.

"From day one, they have been obstructing resettlement, denying people their basic rights," he stated.

The MP also accused the government of lending tacit support by partitioning people on communal lines.

"People in places like Churachandpur are forced to travel over 300 kilometres just to catch a flight from Aizawl, instead of using the Imphal airport, which is merely 50 kilometres away.

Meanwhile, those in Imphal, who cannot afford flights, are being left with no choice but to travel to Guwahati or Kolkata by air.

This is a clear indication of how badly the blockade has affected movement, he said.

While acknowledging the Governor's earlier efforts to open these highways, Dr Bimol expressed disappointment over what he saw as a failure to stand firm against the forces responsible for the blockade.

"It seems that the Governor has buckled under pressure from these communal forces, who are using the so-called demand for separate administration as an excuse to deprive citizens of their basic human rights," he maintained.

Invoking constitutional provisions, the MP pointed out that the continued blockade was a direct violation of Article 19, which guarantees free movement, and Article 21, which ensures the right to life and livelihood.

"The government must take firm action to clear these roads and allow free movement of citizens in the state," Dr Bimol suggested, while urging the government to intervene immediately and restore normalcy.

"People are suffering.

This cannot go on any longer," he asserted.

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