Manipur government orders an immediate ban on highway blockades and road obstruction, warning of legal action against those disrupting traffic and essential supplies.
Imphal, Sept 03: The Manipur government has ordered strict legal action against individuals, organisations and groups involved in blocking or obstructing National Highways and other public roads, restricting movement and damaging public property.
The order, issued by the Home Department on August 28, 2026, prohibits blockades, barricades and other forms of interference with traffic on National Highways, State Highways and public roads across the state.
The government cited reports of bandhs, blockades, road obstruction, forcible restrictions on movement and other unlawful activities that have caused hardship to the public and disrupted the movement of essential commodities, goods and services.
According to the order, such activities affect public order and the safety and security of citizens, while also disrupting economic activity and the supply of essential commodities. The government also referred to citizens’ constitutional right to move freely throughout India.
The order states that obstruction of National Highways can attract penal provisions under the National Highways Act, 1956. It specifically refers to Section 88, which provides for punishment for acts that render, or are likely to render, a National Highway impassable or less safe for travelling or conveying property.
The government also warned that damage to roads, bridges, public transport, government buildings, vehicles and other public infrastructure would attract provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
The order further refers to Section 201 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, relating to obstruction of the free flow of traffic, and provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 concerning preventive action and disobedience of lawful orders.
Under the directions, no person, organisation, association, group or body may block, obstruct or barricade highways or public roads. Restricting the movement of essential commodities, fuel, medicines, emergency services, public transport, goods vehicles or private vehicles is also prohibited.
The government has additionally prohibited violence, intimidation, coercion, extortion, forcible checking of vehicles and other activities that hinder the lawful movement of people and goods.
All Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police and other law enforcement agencies have been directed to take immediate measures to ensure uninterrupted movement on National Highways and other public roads and to initiate prompt legal action against violations.
The order states that those found organising, instigating, supporting or participating in unlawful blockades, highway obstruction, damage to public property or activities resulting in breach of peace may face prosecution under applicable laws.
The government appealed to citizens, civil society organisations, student bodies, community organisations, unions and associations to refrain from bandhs, blockades, forcible road obstruction and damage to public property.
It urged groups with grievances to use democratic means, dialogue and peaceful representation without disrupting the movement of people and essential commodities.
The order came into force with immediate effect and was issued by N. Ashok Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur, by order and in the name of the Governor of Manipur.
