Imphal - A major Kuki community organization has initiated a blockade on two crucial national highways in Manipur, a move that is likely to severely disrupt the supply of essential goods to the state capital, Imphal. This action constitutes a setback to the struggling government's efforts to restore normalcy in the region.

The decision by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) to impose the blockade occurred approximately two days after three Kuki villagers were shot by unidentified gunmen. This tragic event shattered the fragile peace that had been established in the northeastern state, which has been grappling with ethnic violence for the past three months.

The blockade has been enforced on National Highway 2, connecting Dimapur (Nagaland) to Imphal, and National Highway 37, linking Silchar (Assam) to Imphal. It was put into effect in the Kuki-dominated districts of Kangpokpi and Jiribam after midnight on Sunday. This move is expected to significantly hinder the movement of trucks from Nagaland and Assam to the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley, which relies on these highways for the transportation of essential items such as food, fuel, and necessities. The blockade's implementation follows its recent lifting, prompted by an appeal from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Ng. Lun Kipgen, the media cell coordinator of COTU, explained, "The economic blockade of the two national highways was imposed as Meitei groups are preventing essentials, including medicines, from reaching our areas. Only the supply of medicines would be exempted by the blockades, which will continue till there is smooth movement of goods to Kuki areas."

Manipur Police confirmed that the movement of 163 vehicles carrying essentials along NH-2 had been ensured. Strict security measures are in place to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of vehicles, particularly in sensitive areas.

Both the state and central governments are closely monitoring the situation in Manipur. Security arrangements are in place on the highways to ensure the seamless flow of essential supplies not only to the valley but also to all hill districts of Manipur.

The deep-rooted mistrust between the Meitei and Kuki communities is underscored by this renewed blockade, which arises amidst an ongoing deadly ethnic conflict that has resulted in 160 deaths and displaced around 50,000 people.

The clashes originally erupted in Manipur on May 3 in Churachandpur town after tribal groups protested against a proposed modification to the state's reservation system, which would grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community.