NHRC directs fresh probe into blockade of NH-2

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 11 : In a significant development, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered a fresh inquiry and action-taken report into the continued denial of safe passage along National High- way-2 (NH-2) in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district - a lifeline road that has remained persistently obstructed, triggering widespread humanitarian and economic distress.
The direction was given based on a complaint filed by one Asem Roshan Singh on June 25, 2025 and formally received on June 30.
The complainant highlighted that there is systematic denial of the Constitutionally guaranteed right to free movement along NH-2, the State’s primary lifeline connecting Imphal to Dimapur.
Roshan contended that NH-2 has remained inaccessible, particularly through Kangpokpi, resulting in widespread shortages, soaring prices, and near-total isolation of large civilian populations.
The petitioner cited violations of Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(d), and 21 of the Constitution, arguing that the blockade disproportionately targets and harms economically vulnerable groups, students, patients, job seekers, and daily wage earners.
The complainant also alleged that despite repeated assurances, State authorities failed to ensure safe passage, exemplified by the March 8, 2024 attack on former RIMS Medical Superintendent Dr Yengkhom Mohen Singh and his team, even while travelling under official escort.
He described this failure as a “major dereliction of duty by the State in protecting citizens’ rights.”
In a letter forwarded to the petitioner, the Commission observed that the grievance points to a “complete denial of safe access at National Highway (NH-2) particularly in the Kangpokpi district,” resulting in “critical shortages of essential goods and economic hardship for the valley people.”
Commission flags jurisdictional clarification
The NHRC noted that the earlier report submitted by the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, on September 4, 2025 stated that “there is no report of such incident happened within the jurisdiction of Imphal West district police,” clarifying that the attack actually occurred “near Gamphiphai under the jurisdiction of Kangpokpi district police.”
In light of this, the Commission directed its Registry to forward the complaint to District Magistrate-cum-Collector, Kangpokpi district, and Superintendent of Police of Kangpokpi with instructions to conduct a fresh inquiry and submit an action-taken report within two weeks.
The Commission further ordered that the complete and additional report sought on the matter must be submitted on or before January 4, 2026, for continued consideration.
All communications, the NHRC said, must be uploaded through the HRCNet Portal, noting that reports sent via email “may not be entertained.”
A humanitarian crisis created by NH-2 blockade
The petition filed by Asem Roshan Singh under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, centers on one of the most pressing issues confronting Manipur today - the prolonged and unconstitutional blockade of NH-2 in Kangpokpi district.
Severe humanitarian consequences
The petitioner also said that the year-long road closure has placed enormous strain on patients requiring urgent medical travel, students attending institutions outside the valley, small traders and truck drivers,  daily wage earners and essential service workers.
Given the impossibility of road travel, the petition sought an urgent subsidized emergency airfare scheme for civilians forced to rely on air transport to reach other States.
The petitioner also urged the NHRC to direct the State of Manipur and Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure safe passage and remove unlawful obstructions along the highway, hold accountable those responsible for violations, and restore free movement along NH-2.
He also sought the intervention of the NHRC to prevent further human rights deterioration in Manipur.