Armed Extortion Persists on Manipur Highway Despite Security Convoy

Imphal: Armed men are shaking down truckers on National Highway-37. A new video shows a fighter in combat gear stopping trucks on the Imphal-Silchar road. The suspect demands payments between 3,000 and 10,000 rupees. The brazen shakedown happened while 150 security vehicles escorted the traffic. It makes a mockery of the law.

Director General of Police Rajiv Singh ordered a crackdown on highway extortion on July 7. That order is failing. The Kuki Revolutionary Army allegedly issued printed receipts in April after taking 3,000 rupees from drivers. Another case in May involved digital payments sent to Khaiminsei Haokip via Google Pay. Sources claim some drivers also pay off police at check gates after officials log their registration and phone numbers.

The criminal activity spans Noney, Nungba, Kaimai, Nungkao, Oinamlong, and Kaiphundai. Transporters want real action now. They demand more mobile patrols and better road opening parties to keep essential supplies moving. One local source stated, "extortion targeting trucks transporting essential commodities along National Highway-37 continues despite heightened security measures." The threat to the supply chain is growing.