Northeast Desk, 28th September: The Naga Women’s Union has made an urgent appeal to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Central Military Institutions, and the State Home Department to dismantle unauthorized checkpoints that have surfaced across Manipur in the aftermath of the violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which began on May 3, 2023.
In a statement released this week, the Union condemned the establishment of makeshift barricades, bunkers, and roadblocks—often constructed from mud-filled sacks and other debris—by armed groups and factions. These obstructions, they argued, are not only disrupting travel but infringing upon the fundamental right of free movement for citizens, particularly along national highways.
The Union highlighted the severe toll these checkpoints have taken on the daily lives of civilians, citing frequent cases of harassment, extortion, and intimidation at these sites. The group emphasized the mental strain this is placing on the local population, pointing to regular verbal and ethnic abuse encountered by those passing through the checkpoints.
A significant concern raised by the Naga Women’s Union is the impact on education. With prolonged delays along the highways, school vans are often stuck in queues, leading to disrupted school schedules and creating a damaging environment for students. “The constant delays are not only a logistical issue but a mental one as well, affecting children’s well-being and academic progress,” a Union spokesperson said.
The Union further argued that these checkpoints, which have continued for more than a year, violate the National Highway Act, 2002, which protects public rights to unobstructed travel. They called for legal action against those responsible for the illegal occupation of highways, stressing that the rights of non-combatants must not be compromised by ongoing conflict.
In addition to criticizing the presence of unauthorized checkpoints, the Naga Women’s Union expressed concern over the apparent lack of professionalism among security forces stationed in the region. They accused military and state security personnel of failing to act impartially, while urging armed groups to withdraw from public spaces. “The culture of guns and intimidation should have no place in a civilized society,” the Union remarked, calling for a return to peace and stability.
With tensions still high in the state, the Union’s plea serves as a stark reminder of the enduring challenges faced by civilians in conflict zones, where normal life has been heavily disrupted for over a year.