Manipur tribal body reimposes blockade on NHS after flare-up

A prominent Kuki community group on Monday clamped a blockade of two arterial national highways in Manipur that is likely to severely crimp the supply of goods and essentials to the state capital Imphal, marking a setback in the faltering government efforts to restore normalcy in the state.

- Utpal Parashar

The announcement by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) came roughly two days after three Kuki villagers were gunned down by unidentified gunmen, shattering the fragile peace established in the northeastern state that has been roiled by ethnic violence for three months.

The blockade implemented on National Highway 2, which runs from Dimapur (Nagaland) to Imphal, and National Highway 37, which runs from Silchar (Assam) to Imphal - was implemented in Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi, and Jiribam districts after midnight on Sunday. It is likely to severely constrict the flow of trucks from Nagaland and Assam into the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley, which is dependent on both the highways for food, fuel and essentials. The blockade was imposed days after it was lifted following an appeal from Union home minister Amit Shah.