Imphal, May 6 (UNI) Landlocked Manipur still struggles to open its two main national highways since the outbreak of violence in May, 2023 in Churachandpur district.

Both highways NH 2, Imphal to Mao and NH 37, Imphal to Jiribam have to pass through some pockets largely dominated by a particular group involved in the conflict.

Civil societies, militant outfits, and members of the community have refused to allow movement of people who belong to a particular section, mostly settled in Manipur valley, to travel on the highways.

Manipur Police said on Tuesday that movement of 250 vehicles on NH2 and 227 vehicles carrying essential items along NH-37 were ensured.

Efforts to open the national highways failed and so far about 31 people who ventured into the highway areas from a particular community are still reported missing.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced earlier that the national highways would be open on March 8 last.

However, a bus carrying two passengers could not pass through the highway and about 40 security personnel and Manipur Police personnel were injured when the militants, supporters of various organizations, attacked the security personnel.

UNI NS KK PRS