Supreme Court seeks comprehensive plan to end Manipur highway blockades

The Supreme Court of India has called for a comprehensive solution to the prolonged highway blockades in Manipur, stating that the issue cannot be addressed in a piecemeal manner. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that highways serve as the ‘lifeline of the common person’ and that selectively opening some roads while others remain blocked causes widespread hardship without serving any community's cause.

The court issued notices to the State following a plea by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights. The petition alleges that a Naga group has blocked a national highway in the Kuki-Zo-inhabited Kangpokpi district, disrupting the supply of essential commodities, food, and affecting schooling. While the petitioner argued that Kuki militants have lifted their blockades, they alleged Naga militants continue to obstruct the highway.

In response, an advocate for a Meitei organisation contested the petition, claiming the Kuki community has been responsible for blocking all highways in Manipur since 2023. The bench acknowledged the concerns raised by the petitioner as genuine but cautioned that any judicial directions must be carefully considered to avoid aggravating the existing situation on the ground.