Nearly 400 trucks laden with essential goods have been stranded for 13 days at the Mao checkgate on National Highway-2 (NH-2) at the Manipur-Nagaland border as initial talks between the Manipur government and Senapati district’s local organisations failed to yield a resolution.
The stalemate has led to a massive spoilage of perishable goods and widespread disruption of supplies across the state.
The first round of discussions was held Monday at Imphal’s Old Secretariat between a government delegation led by Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam and Power Minister Th Biswajit, and representatives from Senapati district’s prominent organisations, including the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA), and Senapati District Women's Association (SDWA).
However, the talks concluded without any significant progress, and the blockade continues to impede the movement of essential supplies on this crucial route.
The Senapati organisations, represented by NPO president Kuba Peter, SDSA president Saloni Tony, and SDWA president RN Hannah, tabled a charter of demands with the government, stemming from a 31 October incident in which two Naga youths were reportedly assaulted and were extorted for a sum of ₹61,400 at gunpoint in the Lamsang area.
So far, the Manipur police have arrested two persons in connection with the said assault case and investigation is going on, people familiar with the matter said.
The NPO demands include a formal apology from the Arambai Tenggol Unit-18, involvement of valley-based civil society organisations to resolve the matter, swift legal action against those involved in the alleged assault, justice for the victims, and an end to ‘donations’ or tax levies on Naga truckers, traders, and commuters by valley-based groups.
According to an official representing the Senapati organisations, the government side agreed to present their demands to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
However, the meeting yielded no immediate breakthrough to lift the blockade.
The indefinite blockade, which began on 2 November, has effectively paralysed NH-2, resulting in the spoilage of several tonnes of perishable goods like onions, potatoes, and fish which are transported from Assam through Dimapur and Kohima in Nagaland, leaving drivers stranded in challenging conditions with little access to food or shelter.
The All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union (AMRTDMWU) expressed grave concern, noting that commercial vehicles, some of which are now stranded from Mao gate to Senapati Bazar and at various locations in Nagaland, are facing significant financial and logistical difficulties.
An AMRTDMWU spokesperson lamented the impact on drivers and traders, saying, “The blockade has left hundreds of drivers stranded without support, while essential goods are rotting in their vehicles. We urge the authorities to take immediate action before the situation worsens further.”
Furthermore, around 500 Manipur-bound trucks are stranded in different locations of Nagaland state.
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