WMC urges PM Modi to act on highway blockade
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 30 2025: The World Meetei Council (WMC) has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging immediate action to reopen the National Highways in Manipur while expressing anguish over what it described as the ongoing "second-class treatment" of the Meetei people by the Government of India.

In the memorandum signed by its chairman Heigrujam Nabashyam, the Council cited media reports about officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs informing members of a civil society organisation from Manipur that the Centre is not in a position to open the highways for the Meetei people, even after two years of violence and despite the deployment of over additional 60,000 personnel from the Indian Army and Assam Rifles.

Terming the situation unethical and deeply unacceptable, the World Meetei Council said that the failure to restore access through national highways tantamount to denial of the fundamental rights and freedom of movement for the people of Manipur.

It reminded that Manipur is under President's Rule and therefore under the Prime Minister's direct administration.

The Council questioned how people in vulnerable regions could trust that their safety and rights are protected under PM Modi's leadership if the Centre expresses helplessness in resolving a basic issue like reopening the highways.

The Meetei community has suffered immeasurably due to what the Council called prolonged inaction and indifference by the Centre.

It alleged that the conduct of.

security forces deployed in the state often reflected a colonial mind-set, and pointed to a linguistic barrier that has worsened the communication gap, with nearly 90 per cent of Meeteis unable to communicate in Hindi.

It urged the Prime Minister not to rely solely on reports from security forces, stressing that sustainable peace could only be achieved through governance that understands the local psyche.

The Council called for immediate steps to reopen the highways, install a popular government, and empower the state with necessary support to re-establish peace and order.

It urged PM Modi to demonstrate his commitment to dignity, justice and equal treatment for the people of Manipur under the Constitution of India.

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