Manipur is grappling with a severe crisis as continued highway blockades have disrupted supply chains across the state. The blockade of key national highways, particularly NH-2 and NH-37, has resulted in skyrocketing prices, shortages of essentials, and mounting public distress.
The Manipur highway blockade, now lasting several weeks, has paralyzed the movement of goods into the valley areas, leaving shops empty, fuel stations dry, and medical stores struggling to stock life-saving medicines.
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Price Surge Hits Common People the Hardest
As the blockade stretches on, essential commodities like rice, vegetables, cooking gas, and petrol have become either unavailable or unaffordable. In Imphal, the price of LPG cylinders has crossed ₹2,000 in the black market, while petrol is being sold at ₹180–₹200 per litre.
Even daily-use items such as milk, eggs, and sanitary products are vanishing from shelves. Families are cutting back on meals, and small restaurants have either shut down or hiked their prices steeply.
“The prices are going up every day. Even with money in hand, there’s nothing to buy,” said Sunita Devi, a resident of Imphal. “We are suffering in silence.”
Transport Disrupted by Ethnic Tensions
The blockades stem from ethnic and political unrest, with local groups controlling highway access as a form of protest. NH-2 (Imphal–Dimapur road) and NH-37 (Imphal–Jiribam road) are lifelines for Manipur, connecting the landlocked state to the rest of India.
However, frequent violence and lack of dialogue have allowed the Manipur highway blockade to persist, worsening the humanitarian situation in the valley.
Truck drivers refuse to make deliveries due to threats and insecurity, and goods carriers have parked indefinitely at border points. The disruption is particularly damaging as Manipur depends on imported supplies for over 70% of its food and fuel.
Government Scrambles for Alternatives
The state government has urged the Centre to deploy more paramilitary forces to secure national highways and escort goods-laden trucks. Authorities are also trying to airlift medical supplies and fuel from Guwahati and Kolkata, but logistical limitations and costs remain major hurdles.
“We are doing everything possible to restore normalcy,” said a government spokesperson. “But until the roads are safe, the supply crisis will continue.”
Rationing mechanisms have been initiated in several districts, but officials admit that demand far exceeds available stocks. Mobile police units are patrolling sensitive zones, but that has not restored confidence among transporters.
Hospitals and Schools Also Affected
The blockade’s impact goes beyond markets—it has reached hospitals, clinics, and schools. Doctors report shortages of basic medicines such as antibiotics, insulin, and antiseptics. Patients with chronic conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, face critical risk due to interrupted treatment.
Ambulances often cannot refuel or reach referral hospitals on time, especially in hill districts. Meanwhile, some schools have reduced operating hours as mid-day meals and classroom materials become difficult to arrange.
“This is not just a supply issue. It’s becoming a health and education emergency,” said a teacher in Bishnupur district.
Public Outcry and Civil Society Pressure
Citizens’ forums, civil society organizations, and student bodies have condemned both the blockaders and the authorities for failing to resolve the crisis. Peace marches and silent protests have been held across several towns, urging immediate intervention to restore supply lines.
In a joint statement, multiple local NGOs demanded that both the state and central governments take decisive action. “People are not collateral. We cannot let ordinary lives suffer for political goals,” they asserted.
The All Manipur Traders’ Union has also warned of a complete market shutdown if the crisis is not resolved soon. Shopkeepers fear mob looting as supplies dwindle, and some have already reported intimidation by local groups.
What Lies Ahead for Manipur?
The prolonged Manipur highway blockade has exposed the fragility of the state’s supply infrastructure. Analysts argue that long-term solutions must include establishing multiple supply corridors, building emergency stockpiles, and reducing overdependence on just two highways.
At the same time, restoring peace and opening dialogue among warring communities is critical. Without that, temporary government responses will fall short of addressing the root problem.
For now, the people of Manipur continue to wait—for food, for fuel, and for relief.
