Imphal-Jiribam NH-37 tensions have intensified in Manipur as security forces strengthen their presence along vulnerable stretches of the crucial highway. The reinforcement follows disruptions linked to an indefinite economic blockade and incidents affecting goods-carrying vehicles.
The NH-37 corridor connects Imphal with Jiribam and remains an important route for bringing essential commodities into the state. Consequently, authorities face pressure to maintain safe and continuous movement while tensions remain high.
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Imphal-Jiribam NH-37 Tensions Disrupt Vehicle Movement
The latest Imphal-Jiribam NH-37 tensions emerged after the United Naga Council (UNC) intensified its economic blockade from September 9, 2026. The organisation expanded the blockade to several National Highways, including NH-37, as part of its demand for justice and accountability over the killing of six Liangmai Naga men in May.
The blockade has affected movement along the Imphal-Jiribam corridor, particularly around Noney district. Reports said loaded trucks became stranded at locations including Noney Bazar and Khumji. Moreover, shops and business establishments in Longmai Bazar were reportedly closed amid the agitation.
Authorities have faced an additional challenge because NH-37 has remained an important transportation link while other highway routes have also experienced disruptions. Therefore, maintaining this corridor has become significant for the movement of food, fuel and other essential supplies.
The UNC said vehicles carrying essential services, including medical supplies, power, water and telecommunications-related materials, would be exempt from its blockade. However, the broader disruption has continued to affect normal commercial traffic.
Security Forces Reinforce Vulnerable NH-37 Stretches
Security forces have responded by increasing their deployment at strategic and vulnerable locations across Noney district. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and CRPF’s CoBRA personnel have been deployed amid heightened surveillance along the highway.
The objective of the reinforcement is to improve security and facilitate safer movement along the corridor. Furthermore, security personnel have maintained a stronger presence at locations considered vulnerable to disruption.
The latest deployment follows earlier efforts to protect essential commodity convoys. In June, security forces escorted more than 450 trucks carrying essential commodities along NH-37 during another period of disruption. The convoy included Indian Oil Corporation tankers and LPG carriers.
Manipur Police has also previously reported using security escorts and strict security measures at vulnerable locations to facilitate the movement of essential goods. In July, police said 300 vehicles carrying essential items were moved along NH-37 under security arrangements.
Consequently, the current reinforcement represents part of a broader security approach aimed at keeping the state’s major supply corridors operational during periods of unrest.
Noney Incident Raises Fresh Security Concerns
Tensions increased further after a convoy travelling from Jiribam towards Imphal reportedly came under stone-pelting near Noney. The convoy included fuel tankers and trucks carrying essential items and was travelling under security escort. Reports said several vehicles were damaged and drivers were injured.
Following the incident, truck and petroleum tanker drivers announced a “hands-off steering wheel” protest, adding another obstacle to the movement of goods. The development created additional concerns because the drivers’ decision could further slow the movement of essential commodities along NH-37.
The situation then became more complicated after security personnel detained five women in connection with the Noney incident. The Joint Tribes Council-Manipur subsequently announced a shutdown of vehicular movement along NH-37 and called for a halt to certain Central government-sponsored projects in areas under its jurisdiction.
However, accounts surrounding the detentions and the events preceding them remain contested. The Joint Tribes Council described the arrests differently from accounts linking the detainees to the disruption of vehicle movement. Therefore, those claims require attribution rather than presentation as established facts.
The developments have consequently placed additional pressure on authorities to balance public order, highway security and the rights of people participating in demonstrations.
Essential Supplies Remain the Main Concern
The Imphal-Jiribam NH-37 tensions carry significance beyond traffic management because the highway serves as an important supply corridor for Manipur. Disruptions can affect the movement of fuel, food, medicines and other essential commodities.
The latest blockade has already raised concerns over supplies reaching Imphal and other areas. Reports indicate that security reinforcements have been positioned at vulnerable points while emergency-service vehicles remain exempt from the blockade announced by the UNC.
Moreover, the safety of truck drivers has become a major issue. Earlier incidents involving stone-pelting and other disruptions have created uncertainty for drivers operating on the route. The latest drivers’ protest illustrates how security concerns can directly affect transportation capacity.
Authorities therefore face the dual challenge of protecting convoys while encouraging transport operators to resume normal operations. Additionally, sustained security coverage may become important if large numbers of vehicles begin moving again.
The situation also highlights the importance of maintaining dialogue alongside security measures. While enforcement remains necessary when highway movement faces obstruction or violence, sustained communication with local communities can help prevent further escalation.
Conclusion
The Imphal-Jiribam NH-37 tensions have placed renewed focus on the security and reliability of Manipur’s crucial supply corridor. Security forces have reinforced vulnerable areas in Noney following the economic blockade, disruptions to traffic and incidents involving goods-carrying vehicles.
Meanwhile, competing demands from community organisations, concerns raised by transport workers and the need to maintain essential supplies have complicated the situation. Therefore, restoring regular vehicular movement will require effective security arrangements alongside continued administrative engagement and restraint from all sides.
FAQs
What are the Imphal-Jiribam NH-37 tensions about?
The Imphal-Jiribam NH-37 tensions are linked to an ongoing economic blockade, disruptions to vehicle movement and subsequent security measures along the highway in Manipur.
Why is NH-37 important for Manipur?
NH-37 connects Imphal with Jiribam and serves as an important corridor for transporting essential commodities and other supplies into the state.
Where have security forces increased their presence?
Security forces, including RAF and CRPF CoBRA personnel, have been deployed at strategic and vulnerable locations across Noney district along the NH-37 corridor.
What caused recent disruption to goods vehicles?
The United Naga Council’s economic blockade disrupted movement, while reports also described stone-pelting involving a convoy of goods vehicles travelling under security escort near Noney.
Are essential-service vehicles exempt from the blockade?
The UNC said vehicles carrying essential services such as medical supplies, power, water and telecommunications-related materials would be exempt from its blockade.