Highway Extortion Fuels Inflation in Imphal

The burgeoning inflation in Imphal, driven by extortion along Manipur’s highways, is a grim reflection of governance failure and unchecked criminal activities. Manipur, a state already reeling under ethnic conflict and economic instability, finds itself grappling with yet another crisis that exacerbates the plight of its citizens. The rising prices of essential commodities, driven by extortion at strategic transit points, have left the residents of Imphal struggling to meet basic needs, further deepening the chasm of hardship.
The highways, particularly National Highway-2 and National Highway-37, serve as lifelines for Manipur, connecting the landlocked state with the rest of the country. However, these routes have increasingly become hotspots for extortion, where transporters and businesses are forced to pay hefty sums to various armed groups or syndicates. These illegal collections invariably trickle down to the common man, inflating the prices of essential commodities like rice, vegetables, fuel, and medicines. A kilogram of rice, for instance, now costs significantly more in Imphal than in neighboring states, reflecting the compounded costs inflicted by this menace.
This extortion epidemic is symptomatic of deeper systemic issues. The lack of robust law enforcement and the unchecked operation of armed groups along these routes point to a concerning absence of state authority. While security personnel are deployed along these highways, their effectiveness remains questionable. The inability to curb such activities not only emboldens criminal elements but also undermines public confidence in the state’s capacity to protect its people and ensure economic stability.
The consequences of this extortion go beyond mere financial strain. Inflation caused by highway extortion stifles economic growth, discourages investment, and fuels resentment among the populace. Small businesses in Imphal, which rely heavily on these supply routes, are particularly vulnerable. Many have reported shrinking profit margins or even closure due to the exorbitant transportation costs. This, in turn, has led to job losses, further compounding the economic woes of an already distressed population.
Furthermore, the situation exacerbates the existing ethnic tensions in Manipur. Accusations and counter-accusations of involvement in extortion by various groups deepen mistrust among communities, making an already fragile peace process even more precarious. The issue, therefore, demands urgent attention not just as an economic problem but as a critical factor in maintaining social harmony in the state.
Addressing this menace requires a multi-pronged approach. The state government, in collaboration with central authorities, must prioritize the deployment of effective security measures along these highways. Routine patrolling, setting up checkpoints, and leveraging technology for surveillance can deter criminal activities. Moreover, stringent action against those involved in extortion, regardless of their affiliations, is imperative to send a strong message that such activities will not be tolerated.
Equally important is the need for political will to address the root causes of these criminal activities. Many armed groups resort to extortion under the guise of funding their operations, citing grievances against the state. Addressing these grievances through dialogue and development initiatives can help mitigate the socio-political factors driving such activities.
Inflation in Imphal, driven by highway extortion, is a man-made crisis that reflects the failure of governance and law enforcement. Unless decisive action is taken, the economic and social fabric of Manipur will continue to erode, leaving its people to bear the brunt of systemic neglect. The state must act now to reclaim its highways, its economy, and the trust of its people.