Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Manipur authorities will prosecute anyone organizing or backing unlawful road blockades. The government issued the order on August 28, making the announcement public on September 3. N Ashok Kumar, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary for Home, signed the directive. Officials are fed up. They now plan to punish those instigating highway obstructions or damaging public property under relevant laws.
Frequent blockades on national highways have choked the flow of essential goods. Prices are climbing fast. These disruptions breach the peace and violate the constitutional right to freedom of movement. The government received credible reports of groups and individuals staging these protests. Such actions threaten public safety and cripple the state economy.
The state has issued a clear ultimatum to those involved. Participants face prosecution without further notice. Law enforcement has clear orders. Deputy commissioners and police chiefs must ensure vehicles move freely on all national highways and public roads. They will take immediate legal action against any violators caught in the act. The official order states, "Those organising, instigating, supporting or participating in unlawful blockades would face prosecution under relevant laws without further notice."
Updated at 3rd September 2026 at 10:00pm
The crackdown now explicitly covers acts like forcibly restricting human movement and any conduct likely to trigger a breach of peace. The state expanded its definition of illegal conduct beyond simple blockades to include any activity that disrupts public order or safety.
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