The Manipur government will start transporting essential commodities to the hill district of Churachandpur from August 28, in coordination with the army and other central security forces. It is ensuring that medical supplies reach the district, with the Health department undertaking aerial supply through the Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, a State government statement said.
Supplies to the district, which is dominated by the tribal Kuki-Zo community, have been disrupted as critical highways have been blocked by women-led Meitei groups. Transporters in Imphal have refused to ply to the area, citing the risk to their personal safety.
In retaliation, on August 21, a Kuki body had re-imposed its blockade on the Dimapur-Imphal National Highway 2 in Kangpokpi district, a route through which essentials are supplied to the Meitei-dominated valley areas. However, this is not a critical situation as an alternative route exists to supply the valley.
