Tamenglong: Numerous goods-laden trucks heading for Imphal are currently stranded along the Imphal-Jiribam Road, National Highway 37, due to a blockade by Kuki womenfolk at Tatbung village under Tamenglong District, Tousem Sub-Division, close to Jiribam town.
The blockade comes in the wake of recent violence in Jiribam district, which began on June 6. Many heavily laden goods trucks had been stranded along the highway and only started moving under tight security on June 15. However, today, on the third day of resumed movement, a large number of Kuki womenfolk have reportedly taken to the highway near Tatbung, obstructing the road and halting all vehicle movement towards Imphal.
Must read | Noney: Rongmei Naga Warns Kuki Groups Against Shutting Down NH-37 in Their Territory
This blockade has caused significant disruption in the transportation of essential goods to Imphal. Authorities have yet to take measures to resolve the blockade and ensure the safe passage of the stranded vehicles at the time of filing this report.
The Rongmei Naga Students’ Organization Manipur (RNSOM) had on June 10, 2024 said it opposes the announcement of 24-hour shutdown along NH-37. The shutdown was jointly organised by the Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills, Kuki Students Organization South West Sadar Hills, and Kuki Women Union Moltam Region.
RNSOM in a stern statement said that the Rongmei Naga territory, extends from Jiribam to Imphal. The Rongmei Naga student body while condemned the shutdown as “unwarranted”, stressed that the highway must not be used as a platform for terrorism by any group. It stated that NH-37 is a vital lifeline for the region that passes through the heart of Rongmei land and belongs to all communities living in and outside Manipur.