The Ministry of Home Affairs has watched with concern the ongoing blockade on NH 37 in Manipur and the consequent shortages of essential commodities faced by the people of Manipur. The Government of India is firmly committed to maintaining rule of law. It considers blockades anywhere in India a gross violation of law and a crime against humanity causing untold suffering to countless humans. No individual or organisation will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
The Government of India has remained committed to ensuring that the routes to Manipur are open and remain accessible to all including supplies of petroleum products, and other essential commodities including foodstuff. Accordingly it had placed 15 companies of Central Forces stationed in Manipur at the disposal of the State Government. Last week another 15 companies of Central Forces were made available to the State Government to enable the State Government to have the blockade lifted.
It is hoped that State Government will act with responsibility and maturity to ensure both maintenance of supplies to Manipur as well as social harmony. MHA will provide additional Forces to the State Government if necessary.
The Government of India expects all to cooperate with the Government of India’s resolve to both maintain rule of law and supplies of commodities to Manipur, and appeals to the United Naga Council (UNC) to remove its illegal blockade in view of the difficulties faced by the people of Manipur. All contentious issues need to be settled peacefully by democratic and lawful means.