IMPHAL | The Manipur government has warned of strict legal action against individuals, organisations and groups involved in unlawful road blockades, highway obstructions and other activities disrupting public movement across the state.

The warning was issued in an order dated August 28 by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar and made public on September 3. The government said those who organise, instigate, support or participate in unlawful blockades would face prosecution under relevant laws without further notice.

The directive comes amid recurring disruptions along national highways and other major roads in Manipur, affecting the movement of essential commodities and contributing to shortages and rising prices in several parts of the state.

According to the order, the government has received reports and credible inputs about bandhs, road blockades, obstructions and other unlawful activities being carried out by various organisations, associations, groups and individuals on national highways and public roads.

The government said such activities not only disrupt normal life but also affect public order and the safety of citizens. Prolonged road blockades also hamper the transportation of essential goods and adversely affect economic activity, it said. The order specifically warns against activities involving damage to public property, forcible restriction of movement and acts that could potentially result in a breach of peace.

The government also pointed to the constitutional right to freedom of movement, stating that unlawful obstruction of public roads interferes with citizens’ ability to move freely across the country. Deputy commissioners, police authorities and other law enforcement agencies have been directed to take immediate measures to ensure the uninterrupted movement of vehicles on national highways and other public roads.

They have also been instructed to initiate prompt legal proceedings against individuals or groups found violating the directive. The government’s latest warning signals a tougher approach towards recurring road blockades, which have remained a major source of disruption to transportation and the supply of essential commodities in the state.

Authorities are now expected to closely monitor vulnerable stretches of national highways and take preventive measures to keep key routes open.