SC seeks open highways in Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 14 2026: The Supreme Court on Friday urged all sides in Manipur to ensure that National Highways remain open, observing that blocking the "lifeline of the common person" does not serve the interests of either community.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and JV Mohana was hearing a PIL filed by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, alleging the blockade of a National Highway in Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas of Kangpokpi district.

Senior advocate Anand Grover, appearing for the petitioners, described the situation as urgent and said the blockade had affected the availability of essential supplies, including food, and disrupted schooling.

He said the organisation was opposed to violence and that Kuki militants had lifted their blockade.

The Court asked why organisations allegedly involved in blocking essential services could not be made parties to the proceedings.

Grover said both sides were engaged in conflict and alleged that the State had been unable to prevent the situation.

Ngangom Junior, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, appearing for the International Meitei Organization, pointed out that the community of which the petitioner is part of, has itself been blocking all the National Highways in Manipur and hence, the said community cannot demand lifting of NH2 blockade only from Kangpokpi district, while its members have been blocking other National High- ways in Manipur.

Ngangom Junior, also pointed out that even after the CM of Manipur declared on August 8, 2026 that all National Highways would be reopened, following consul- tation with some Kuki community leaders, the Kuki Human Rights Council issued a press release on August 9, 2026 .

Ngangom Junior described the petition as a "mischievous application" and alleged that Kuki groups had also blocked highways since 2023 .

The bench said the issue could not be addressed piecemeal, with one highway being opened while another remained blocked.

It asked the petitioner and the Meitei organisation to provide details of all highways and National Highways that are currently blocked, along with proposals for restoring them and making them functional.

"Blockade of highway does not serve either group," the Chief Justice observed, asking why both sides could not agree to allow National Highways to function with the intervention of an appropriate agency.

The Chief Justice also cautioned that if the Court issued sweeping directions and the State intervened to remove blockades, it could potentially lead to violence against innocent people.

The bench emphasised that highways are the "lifeline of the common person", making clear that the Court's concern was not limited to the particular highway cited in the petition but extended to road blockades affecting people across Manipur.

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