With NH-2 blocked by competing protests and NH-37 crippled by repair delays, transporters warn of an impending supply crisis as hundreds of commercial vehicles remain stranded across Manipur
Imphal: A prolonged blockade on National Highway-2, coupled with disruptions on National Highway-37, has intensified Manipur’s transport crisis, leaving truck drivers stranded for days and raising concerns over the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities across the state.
On NH-2, several truck drivers, including many from outside Manipur, remain trapped between the Namduilong-Kanglatongbi economic blockade and the Gamgiphai Buffer Zone, where Kuki-Zo organisations are continuing a round-the-clock protest demanding the restoration of free movement. Many drivers have reportedly exhausted food and drinking water supplies, with no access to basic sanitation.
Responding to the humanitarian situation, the Sadar Hills Inland Transporters’ and Drivers’ Union (SHITDU) distributed emergency relief, including rice, cooking oil, drinking water and other essentials. The union assured drivers that assistance would continue for as long as they remain stranded.
SHITDU spokesperson Lenpu Chongloi said the union intervened despite the location lying outside its jurisdiction. “These drivers are performing an essential service for society. They should not be left abandoned in the middle of a confrontation. Humanity comes first,” he said.
The crisis comes as nearly 500 goods vehicles are also reportedly stranded on NH-37 after repair work along the Noney-Nungba stretch was halted, prompting transport bodies to warn of further disruptions if restoration is delayed.
Transport associations have urged the Manipur Government to immediately restore highway connectivity, resume road repairs, strengthen security arrangements and ensure the safe movement of commercial vehicles to prevent a wider supply crisis.
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