IMPHAL | The Manipur government has decided to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against militants and miscreants involved in extortion and disruptions along key National Highways, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said on Wednesday.

Speaking at an event in Imphal in the presence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Konthoujam said illegal activities along the state’s highways had severely affected residents and disrupted the movement of essential commodities.

He said the government would soon issue a notification under the Control of National Highway (Land & Traffic) Act, 2002, to facilitate action against those involved in extortion and other activities disrupting traffic along the highways. The announcement comes amid reports of systematic extortion targeting transporters and truck drivers on major routes, particularly National Highway 37, which connects Imphal with Jiribam, and National Highway 202.

Transporters have reportedly been forced to pay up to Rs 25,000 per vehicle along the approximately 200-km Jiribam-Imphal stretch. In some cases, armed groups are alleged to have issued payment slips or receipts for the money collected. The extortion has disrupted the movement of essential commodities and triggered protests by transport unions, with operators demanding stronger security measures along the highways.

Konthoujam also warned that the Prevention of Damages to Public Property Act, 1948, would be strictly enforced against individuals or groups involved in damaging public infrastructure.

He said the government would take legal action without discrimination, nepotism or favouritism against anyone obstructing the movement of essential goods and services. Emphasising the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis, the Home Minister said lasting peace could not be achieved through violence and that conflicts must be addressed through dialogue and negotiations rather than the use of guns.

Konthoujam appealed to all communities and civil society organisations to support peace initiatives and work towards protecting Manipur’s integrity. He also stressed that security forces alone could not restore normalcy in the state without the cooperation and support of the people.