Allegations of rampant extortion have resurfaced along National Highway-37, with truck drivers transporting essential commodities claiming that armed men continue to openly collect illegal “taxes” despite the presence of security escorts on the state’s crucial supply route.
According to transporters, the Kaiphundai-Makhru stretch has emerged as the most vulnerable section of the highway, where armed miscreants allegedly stop vehicles and demand money from drivers. They alleged that the absence of Road Opening Party (ROP) deployment in the area has left the stretch exposed to repeated incidents of extortion and looting.
Drivers expressed concern that even vehicles moving under security escort are reportedly not being spared, raising serious questions over the effectiveness of the existing highway security arrangements. They claimed that the continued harassment has instilled fear among transporters and disrupted the smooth movement of essential commodities into the state.
Transporters pointed out that similar allegations of extortion were reported during April and May this year, yet the problem remains unresolved. They urged the authorities to investigate the recurring incidents and identify the lapses that continue to enable illegal collections along the highway.
Calling NH-37 the lifeline of Manipur, transporters demanded immediate deployment of Road Opening Party teams in vulnerable stretches, strengthened convoy protection and enhanced security measures to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of goods.
