Imphal | In a bid to strengthen security and ensure uninterrupted movement along the crucial Imphal-Jiribam stretch of National Highway-37, the Manipur government has constituted a dedicated Highway Patrol Team to curb extortion-related activities and monitor road conditions.

The initiative, led by Noney Deputy Commissioner Vidhyamari Sridhar, aims to improve commuter safety along the 220-km highway, which serves as one of Manipur’s key lifelines connecting the state with the rest of the country.

The patrol team comprises an Executive Magistrate from the district administration, personnel from the Manipur Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), officials of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and representatives of road construction and maintenance agencies working on NH-37.

According to a statement issued by the District Information Office, the team will conduct regular patrols and inspections along the highway to prevent illegal extortion, address security concerns faced by commuters, and monitor the progress and quality of ongoing road maintenance works.

The patrol unit has also been tasked with facilitating coordination among all stakeholder agencies and ensuring prompt resolution of issues that could disrupt the smooth movement of vehicles on the route.

The district administration said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding commuters and maintaining the highway as a secure and reliable transport corridor. Authorities have directed all concerned departments and agencies to work in close coordination to uphold law and order, improve road infrastructure and create a safer travel environment.

Deputy Commissioner Vidhyamari Sridhar appealed to transporters, commercial vehicle operators and the general public to cooperate with the Highway Patrol Team and promptly report incidents of extortion, intimidation or other unlawful activities to the nearest authorities.

Officials noted that NH-37 has faced recurring disruptions over the past several years due to security challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in the state. The movement of goods carriers and passenger vehicles along the route has often required security escorts to ensure safe passage.

The administration expressed hope that the newly constituted patrol mechanism will help strengthen surveillance, deter unlawful activities and ensure that NH-37 continues to function as a dependable lifeline for the people of Manipur.