Frequent road blockades cripple economy and daily life in Manipur

Jun 23, 2025

Imphal, Manipur (ANI): National Highways 02 and 37 are more than roads — they are Manipur’s lifelines, connecting the landlocked state to the rest of the country and ensuring the flow of essential supplies like food, medicine, fuel, and relief aid. Since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, these key routes have been severely disrupted. Barricades, protests, and blockades have brought movement to a halt, deepening the humanitarian and economic crisis. Prolonged highway blockades amid ongoing ethnic tensions are taking a serious toll on ordinary citizens. The impact is widespread across Manipur: small businesses are shutting down, supply chains are broken, and prices of essentials have soared. Families face uncertainty, hospitals struggle with delays, and students miss out on education. Legal and economic experts have called these blockades unlawful and highly disruptive.