Imphal: The ethnic clashes that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, continue to take a toll on residents, with highway blockades and disrupted transport routes causing prices to spiral out of control and critical shortages in Churachandpur and the capital, Imphal. Churachandpur, predominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo community, remains economically crippled due to limited access to National Highways 02 and 37, which serve as vital supply corridors connecting Manipur to Assam and Nagaland.
Goods-laden trucks are being rerouted through Mizoram, resulting in significant delays and inflated transportation costs. This has worsened inflation and created shortages of life-saving medicines and essential supplies. Locals are struggling to access basic necessities, with prices increasing due to the additional transportation costs. The situation is further exacerbated by the lack of direct routes from Imphal to Churachandpur, making it difficult for traders to transport goods.
The shortage of medicines has had a devastating impact on healthcare in Churachandpur. Patients with chronic and serious diseases are struggling to access the medication they need, and the public is facing numerous problems. Former Secretary of the Pharmacy Owners Association, Max Muan, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that the ethnic violence has disrupted drug supplies, causing immense hardship for patients.
Locals across Manipur are calling for peace and reconciliation, hoping that unity among ethnic communities will restore normalcy and alleviate their suffering. The situation in Imphal is also dire, with rising inflation and scarcity of goods due to the continued disruption of truck movement along key highways. Residents are urging the authorities to find a solution to the crisis and restore access to essential goods and services.
The blockades and shortages have caused significant economic hardship for residents in Manipur. Vendor H. Binodini Devi lamented that the closure of the National Highway has led to price hikes and mounting losses. Flood-affected resident Wangkheirakpam Saratchandra Singh echoed similar sentiments, stating that the recent flood has pushed prices of essential goods, including food, further up, exacerbating the hardship faced by locals.
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