Highlights Serious Rights Concerns Raised in Asem Roshan Singh’s Petition
KRC TIMES National Bureau
New Delhi : In a significant development, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered a fresh inquiry and action-taken report into allegations of the continued denial of safe passage along National Highway-2 (NH-2) in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district — a lifeline road that has remained persistently obstructed, triggering widespread humanitarian and economic distress.
Acting on a complaint filed by Asem Roshan Singh on June 25, 2025 and formally received on June 30, the Commission observed that the grievance points to a “complete denial of safe access at National Highway (NH-2) particularly in the Kangpokpi District, Manipur,” resulting in “critical shortages essential goods and economic hardship for the valley people.”
The complaint 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. The complainant described this failure as a “major dereliction of duty by the state in protecting citizens’ rights.”
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, Manipur.”
In light of this, the Commission directed its Registry to forward the complaint to: District Magistrate-cum-Collector, Kangpokpi District, and Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi District, 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 in the matter must be submitted on or before January 4, 2026, for continued consideration. All communications, the NHRC added, must be uploaded through the HRCNet Portal, noting that reports sent via email “may not be entertained.”
Petition’s Core Focus: 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.
The complaint highlights:
- Systematic denial of the constitutionally guaranteed right to free movement
NH-2 — the state’s primary lifeline connecting Imphal to Dimapur — has remained inaccessible, particularly through Kangpokpi, resulting in widespread shortages, soaring prices, and near-total isolation of large civilian populations.
- Grave violations of fundamental rights
The petitioner cites 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.
- Breakdown of law and order
The March 2024 attack on Dr. Mohen Singh, even while under state escort, is presented as evidence of collapsing protective governance.
Additional reports of abduction, intimidation, and targeted harassment in the region further underscore the absence of rule of law.
- Severe humanitarian consequences
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
- Request for immediate interim relief
Given the impossibility of road travel, the petition urgently seeks a subsidized emergency airfare scheme for civilians forced to rely on air transport to reach Guwahati or Kolkata — a measure intended to prevent further distress among those unable to afford escalating flight prices.
- Appeal for restoration of constitutional order
The petitioner urges the NHRC to: Direct the State of Manipur and Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure safe passage and remove unlawful obstructions
Hold accountable those responsible for violations.Restore free, lawful movement through NH-2. Intervene to prevent further human rights deterioration
