2 weeks ago
Supreme Court Seeks Comprehensive Plan to Open Blocked Manipur Highways
Judges from a big court in India called the Supreme Court talked about roads called highways in a place called Manipur.
Some people have blocked these roads so that cars and trucks cannot pass.
Because the roads are blocked, it is hard for people to get food and medicine.
The judges said these roads are very important, like a lifeline for people.
One group called the Kuki Women Organisation said another group, the Naga, is blocking a road.
But another group, the Meitei, said the Kuki people are the ones blocking the roads.
The judges said it is not okay to open just one road while others stay blocked.
They want everyone to work together to open all the roads.
They asked the people involved to share plans, not just papers, to fix the problem.
The Supreme Court sought a comprehensive plan to restore movement on all blocked highways in violence-hit Manipur.
The bench comprised Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana.
The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights petitioned over an alleged blockade of a national highway by a Naga group in Kangpokpi district.
The petitioner said Kuki militants lifted their blockade but Naga militants continue blocking, causing food shortages and schooling disruption.
A Meitei organisation disputed the claims, saying highways have been blocked by the Kuki community since 2023; the Court impleaded NHAI and sought proposals.
- Who
- A Supreme Court of India bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, with the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights as petitioner and NHAI impleaded.
- What
- The Court called for a comprehensive plan to reopen all blocked highways in Manipur, rejecting piecemeal solutions and seeking concrete proposals.
- Where
- The Supreme Court of India, concerning a national highway in Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas of Kangpokpi district, Manipur.
- When
- Friday; the report does not specify the exact date.
- Why
- To restore access to food, medicines, fuel and other essential commodities for people affected by the blockades.
Petitioner's Contention
Meitei Organisation's Counter-claim
Who is blocking the highways
Petitioner's Contention
Kuki militants lifted their blockade, but Naga militants continue to block the national highway in Kangpokpi district, causing shortages of food and affecting schooling.
Meitei Organisation's Counter-claim
The allegations are disputed; highways in Manipur have been blocked by the Kuki community since 2023.
Key facts
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Bench
- Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Justice V. Mohana
- Petitioner
- Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights
- Blockade location
- National highway in Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas of Kangpokpi district, Manipur
- Petitioner's claim
- Naga group blocking highway; shortages of food and disruption of schooling
- Meitei organisation's claim
- Highways in Manipur blocked by the Kuki community since 2023
- Impleaded party
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- Court's direction
- Comprehensive proposals to reopen and keep all highways functional; counter-affidavits not wanted
Quotes
Chief Justice Surya Kant
Judge presiding over the Supreme Court case
“It can’t be piecemeal that one highway is open and the other is not. We want a situation where both of you actively work on the ground to ensure that all highways are open.”
thestatesman.com
“Highways are the lifeline of the common person. Blocking of highways is not serving anybody’s cause. Hardship is faced by everyone.”
thestatesman.com










