Imphal: The Manipur Drivers’ Association (MDA) and the Sadar Hills Inland Transporters and Drivers Union (SHITDU) have strongly condemned recent violent attacks on commercial vehicles, appealing to protesting groups to cease targeting state highways.
The statements come amid an ongoing economic blockade enforced by the United Naga Council (UNC), which has left approximately 200 oil tankers and cargo trucks stranded at Keithelmanbi.
Speaking to the press at Kwakeithel, MDA General Secretary Sanjoy Kshetrimayum announced the association’s full endorsement of an ongoing steering-down strike launched by oil tanker drivers.
The strike is a direct response to a recent ambush in Noney, which left five drivers injured and damaged roughly 20 vehicles.
“While the UNC’s grievances regarding the killing of six Naga civilians may be legitimate, targeting drivers who transport essential commodities for the state is deeply unfortunate,” Kshetrimayum said. “Pelting vehicles with stones and bricks risks lives and directly challenges the authority of the state.”
The MDA urged the government to implement immediate security measures, including deploying a dedicated Highway Protection Force, providing adequate security escorts, and conducting regular Road Opening Party (ROP) operations.
Following the press briefing, an MDA leadership team led by President Babhudon visited the stranded drivers at Keithelmanbi.
Drivers highlighted the severe degradation of the Imphal-Jiribam route, noting that deteriorating road conditions have extended travel times to 15–20 days. They also alleged that extortion and illegal tax collection by miscreants persist despite the presence of security escorts.
Echoing these concerns, SHITDU President Samson Kipgen characterized the highway violence as a direct violation of the Indian Constitution and a failure of law enforcement.
“Drivers are risking their lives daily to maintain the flow of essential supplies during this crisis,” Kipgen said in a statement. “Violence against transport workers cannot be tolerated. Failure to hold perpetrators accountable will only further endanger those keeping the state supplied.”
Both transport unions have demanded that law enforcement agencies swiftly identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for the highway attacks, while calling on the government to permanently resolve the systemic infrastructure and security crises plaguing Manipur’s National Highways.