Unending Blockades: A Clear Sign of Insincerity

The imposition of economic blockade, which has lead to the stranding of 300 trucks, once again raises questions about the sincerity of those enforcing it and the inaction of the authorities responsible for maintaining law and order. The blockade called by Kuki organizations, comes at a important political juncture—just after the resignation of N. Biren Singh from the post of Chief Minister of Manipur. This blockade has come despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive that free movement should be allowed, making the situation even more concerning. It is crucial to analyze the sequence of events to understand the real intent behind such disruptive actions.
For months, Kuki groups have maintained a rigid stance that no dialogue could take place unless N. Biren Singh stepped down as the Chief Minister. However, now that he has resigned, there is a conspicuous silence regarding any willingness to negotiate. Instead of initiating talks, which they claimed to be their primary condition for engagement, they have intensified their disruptive activities through economic blockades. This exposes their real intent—prolonging the instability rather than working towards any constructive resolution.
Blockades have long been a tool of coercion in Manipur’s conflict-ridden landscape, and their frequent imposition continues to burden the common people. Essential supplies, including food and medicines, are delayed, leading to artificial shortages and price hikes. The latest blockade only deepens the misery of ordinary citizens who are already grappling with existing hardships. It is clear that these groups are not interested in alleviating the suffering of people but in furthering their own disruptive agenda.
What is even more concerning is the apparent inaction of the authorities. Despite the state being under President’s Rule and the Centre having direct control over law enforcement, no decisive action has been taken to lift the blockade. The security forces appear to be mere spectators as transport routes remain paralyzed. This raises concerns over governance and accountability. If 300 trucks can be stranded with impunity today, what guarantees that the same will not happen again in the future?
The fundamental question that arises is whether these organizations were ever genuinely interested in negotiations and a peaceful settlement. The turn of events suggests otherwise. If their demand for Biren Singh’s resignation was truly about facilitating talks, they should have immediately shown readiness to come to the table. Instead, the opposite has happened. Not only has there been no movement towards dialogue, but new disruptions have been created. This reinforces the suspicion that their demand for resignation was never about peace but about keeping the turmoil alive for their vested interests.
It is time for the government to take decisive action. The continuous cycles of blockades and economic disruptions should not be allowed to persist unchecked. The people of Manipur deserve stability, and it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that such acts of economic terrorism do not continue to dictate the lives of ordinary citizens. The Centre must step in to restore normalcy by enforcing the law with an iron hand.
Furthermore, the silence of civil society groups and human rights organizations on this issue is equally questionable. Had any other group resorted to such blockades, there would have been widespread condemnation. The selective outrage over disruptions in Manipur only emboldens those who use such tactics to hold the state hostage.
The current situation shows that sincerity in negotiations cannot be expected from groups that refuse to engage even after their stated conditions are met. The government must not fall into the trap of endless appeasement. Instead, it must prioritize the welfare of the common people by ensuring that law and order prevail. Economic blockades should not be tolerated as a norm, and those responsible must be held accountable. Only then can Manipur move towards lasting peace and stability.