Manipur warns of strict action against blockades, public property damage

The Manipur government has issued a stern warning against individuals, organisations, and groups involved in blocking highways, obstructing traffic, or damaging public property. The state Home Department's order, released on Thursday, takes effect immediately and promises strict legal action without exception.

The order notes that reports of bandhs, blockades, and forcible restrictions on movement have caused hardship to the public and disrupted the supply of essential commodities, fuel, medicines, and emergency services. It explicitly prohibits any person or group from barricading or interfering with traffic on national highways, state highways, or public roads across the state.

Authorities have been directed to ensure uninterrupted movement on roads and to initiate prompt legal proceedings against violators. Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and other law-enforcement agencies are tasked with immediate enforcement.

The order warns that those found organising, instigating, supporting, or participating in unlawful blockades, highway obstruction, or damage to public property may face prosecution under relevant laws, including the National Highways Act, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, Motor Vehicles Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Specifically, Section 8B of the National Highways Act, 1956, is cited, under which rendering a national highway impassable or less safe can lead to imprisonment of up to five years, a fine, or both.

The government has also appealed to citizens, civil society organisations, student bodies, community groups, unions, and associations to maintain peace and refrain from bandhs, blockades, and forcible road obstructions.