Supreme Court Urges Kuki, Meitei Groups to End Highway Blockades in Manipur

The Supreme Court on Friday urged both Kuki and Meitei groups to work towards peace and remove blockades on National Highways leading to Manipur, allowing essential supplies to reach the violence-hit northeastern State. A three-judge Bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, stressed that highways are a lifeline for ordinary citizens and that blockades only harm the people.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, which sought the removal of the blockade on National Highway 2 and the restoration of essential services to the State. The Bench asked both communities, represented by their respective counsel, to consider the consequences of continued blockades.

“Why can’t both groups realise something? That blockade of the highway does not serve either group. With the intervention of some agency, why can’t you allow the NH to open,” the CJI asked, emphasising the need for dialogue and mutual understanding.

The court also impleaded the National Highway Authority of India as a party to the case and asked the petitioners and respondents to clarify whether any other highways to Manipur remain blocked. The Bench urged the parties to “think of peace now” and refrained from passing sweeping directions, saying it did not want to unsettle the State further.

Senior advocate Anand Grover, appearing for the petitioner NGO, described the situation as “almost desperate”, with shortages of essential supplies severely affecting the lives of people in Manipur. The court agreed with this assessment but chose a cautious approach, seeking cooperation from all sides rather than imposing orders that could escalate tensions.

The ethnic violence in Manipur, which began in May 2023, has led to loss of lives, displacement of thousands, and a prolonged breakdown of normal life. The blockade of National Highway 2, a crucial artery for the landlocked State, has compounded the crisis by disrupting the supply of food, medicine, and other essentials. The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the urgent need for peace and the restoration of basic amenities for the affected population.

The matter is likely to be heard again, with the court expecting a response from the parties on the status of the highways. The plea for peace comes at a time when the people of Manipur are struggling to return to a semblance of normalcy, and the judiciary’s role in facilitating dialogue between communities is seen as a crucial step towards resolution.