Restricted movement on NH-02 and NH-37 stalls Manipur’s survival and growth, locals lament

2 June 2025, ANI, Imphal/ Churachandpur Manipur: Manipur has been grappling with conflict and blockades for nearly two years, severely disrupting daily life. As a landlocked state, it relies heavily on NH-02 and NH-37—its lifelines connecting Imphal to Nagaland and Assam—for essential goods, fuel, medicine, and access to healthcare, education, and jobs. Since the violence began, movement between the valley and hill districts has been severely restricted, worsening the crisis. Residents say both communities are now confined to designated zones, with limited freedom of movement outside their respective areas. Efforts were made following the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive to restore free movement, but protests and blockades have repeatedly thwarted those attempts. While Manipur has seen relative peace since the Governor’s rule began, tensions continue to simmer just below the surface. New Zoveng Village in Churachandpur District witnessed a rabies outbreak in April this year and suffered greatly due to delayed medical aid. The delays were primarily caused by movement restrictions arising from ethnic tensions.At least three lives were lost, and over 700 dog bite cases were reported in the area. As a result, the district was declared a containment zone under the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897.The ongoing conflict and movement restrictions in Manipur have not only hindered daily life but also critically delayed urgent medical aid during emergencies like the rabies outbreak, highlighting the urgent need for restored free movement and sustained peace.