Social worker Shanjoy Ahanthem has urged the government to take immediate steps to resolve the ongoing blockade of the Kumbi–Wangoo road, which has led to the closure of markets and schools, crippling daily life across the region.
The blockade, enforced by aggrieved locals, has deepened the suffering of residents in Kumbi Assembly Constituency, one of the areas worst affected by the communal violence that erupted on May 3, 2023. Many displaced families continue to live in temporary relief camps within Kumbi and other districts, facing hardships such as inadequate shelter, poor sanitation, and limited access to basic amenities, particularly during the current rainy season.
The Kumbi–Wangoo road, a crucial state highway linking Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Thoubal, Kakching, and Chandel districts, as well as the Indo–Myanmar National Highway, has deteriorated severely due to long-term neglect and lack of maintenance. The road is now riddled with potholes and damaged stretches, making travel almost impossible. Protesters have set up blockades at several points, including Kumbi Keithel and Wangoo Naodakhong, bringing transport, trade, and essential supply movement to a standstill.
The worsening condition of the highway has forced school vans and public transport operators to suspend services, affecting hundreds of students during the ongoing examination period. Farmers are unable to transport their produce, while access to relief camps has been severely hampered.
Condemning the prolonged administrative inaction, Shanjoy Ahanthem appealed to the Public Works Department (PWD), District Administration, and other concerned authorities to intervene urgently.