In a welcome development, the Manipur government is set to resume operations on Imphal- Kangpokpi-Mao (Imphal-Mao highway) and Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur (Tiddim highway) with the deployment of additional security forces from Saturday.
A notice issued by chief secretary, Government of Manipur, Vineet Joshi stated that the move was taken for convenience of the people of the state who are reeling under the prevailing conflict. The same will be effective from Saturday (December 23), it stated.
It asserted that additional security forces have been deployed under the operational command of senior officers namely IGP (Zone III), Nishit Kumar Ujjwal for Imphal- Kangpokpi- Mao highway and IGP (Zone II/ Int/ NAB), K Kabib for Imphal- Bishnupur- Churachandpur highway.
It mentioned that a convoy along Imphal-Kangpokpi-Mao highway will start from 9 am onwards (movement towards Mao) assembly of trucks/vehicles at BOC. While convoy for movement towards Imphal, assembly of trucks/vehicles will begin from 9 am onwards at Senapati Headquarters.
For, Imphal- Bishnupur-Churachandpur highway, assembly of trucks/vehicles for movement towards Churachandpur and Imphal will begin from 9 am onwards at Malom and Torbung respectively, it stated.
It urged all residents to take note of the same and extend their support and cooperation in public interest.
Mention may be made that the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) had been imposing economic blockades along the national highway which passes through Kangpokpi off and on.
A series of intermittent blockades have been imposed along the national highways after the conflict erupted in the state on May 3, affecting movement of people and goods laden trucks.
The economic blockade imposed on the two National Highways severely affected the flow of goods.
Several CSOs, associations and the general public have been demanding urgent, credible action to lift the economic blockades along the National Highways, all the while highlighting the plights facing the people due to the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, above the prevailing tense situation in the state.
