Zomi Council Demands NH-2 Closure Until Extortion Networks Dismantled

Churachandpur, Sep 3 (PTI) — The Zomi Council, a notable tribal organization, has declared that National Highway-2 (NH-2) should remain closed until extortion networks operating along the route are dismantled. The council alleged that any move to reopen the Dimapur-Imphal section of NH-2 is intended primarily to benefit the Meitei community, while the residents of Churachandpur continue to experience shortages and hunger.

NH-2 is often considered the lifeline of Manipur, and since ethnic clashes erupted in the state in May 2023, access to this highway has been strategically used by both sides to restrict supplies to the other community. While people from other communities can travel between Imphal and Dimapur, the Meiteis face restrictions, as the highway passes through the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district. Similarly, Kukis residing in Churachandpur are unable to travel to Imphal due to Meitei dominance there. The highway trucks operate under heavy security to prevent any incidents.

Efforts by the government to make the highway accessible to individuals from both communities are part of its broader initiative to restore peace in the state, which has witnessed over 260 fatalities and has left thousands homeless. In a statement, the Zomi Council expressed that any agreement signed by the Kuki-Zo Council or other tribal bodies to reopen the highway would be a betrayal if it does not protect Kuki interests.

Emphasizing the prolonged hardships faced by Churachandpur district, the council noted persistent shortages of essential items such as LPG cylinders and rice. It further alleged that NH-2 is currently plagued by illegal taxation and extortion, controlled by anti-social elements stretching from Nagaland to Imphal.

The council warned that reopening the highway without dismantling these extortion networks merely promotes exploitation, stating, "To reopen the road now, without uprooting this corrupt system, will only reward the unscrupulous players." The Zomi Council also criticized the Kuki Zo Council (KZC) for engaging in activities that do not serve the tribal community, labeling it as a government puppet.