The BSF has been deployed along National Highway-2 to ensure free movement of all commuters following reports that a group of Kuki people had been restricting passage for members of the Meitei community, source close to Imphal Times revealed.
Sources have stated that the BSF has been entrusted with the security of every passenger travelling on the highway and maintaining smooth transit from either ends. Deployment ranges from Sekmai to Senapati and back, and BSF patrols are said to be deployed as follows: leaving Sekmai at 7.15 a.m, reaching Senapati Police Station at 10.30 a.m and dispatching from Senapati at 12.00 noon, to reach back at Sekmai by 2.30 p.m. According to the source, Sundays have been excluded in the schedule.
National Highway-2 is considered the lifeline that connects several districts of Manipur and is important for commerce, transport, and daily travel. Community-based restrictions have flared up tension in the highway in recent days, snapped essential services, besides raising questions over safety and accessibility. Authorities urged commuters to exercise caution while commuting on it and cooperate with security forces till restoration.
It is viewed that deploying BSF is a way to nip further restrictions and keep the highway functioning normally so that every citizen can travel without hindrance.