Imphal: The Manipur Government has issued a strict notification against anyone who blocks or disturbs National Highways. Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam made this statement in the State Assembly on Thursday.
He was replying to a question from MLA Th. Lokeshwor. Govindas Konthoujam stated that a notification under the National Highway Authority Act, 2002, allows authorities to take legal action against individuals obstructing traffic.
The state Director General of Police (DGP) has instructed all Superintendents of Police (SPs) to take action against people who create highway disturbances. Security forces are currently escorting public and private vehicles to protect them from stone-pelting and attacks.
There are no movement restrictions for goods or people, including both Meitei and Naga communities, on NH-37 and NH-02. Anyone who blocks the free movement of goods and people will face strict legal action.
Earlier, while raising the question, Congress MLA Lokeshwor stated that essential commodity trucks still cannot move freely on NH-2 despite government claims.
He asked whether the people blocking the highways are terrorists or Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Many goods-laden trucks remain delayed or stranded on NH-37.
The lack of free transport on highways has caused commodity prices to spike to alarming levels.