Jiribam violence: Stranded goods trucks start plying amid tight security in Manipur

Imphal: As the situation in Jiribam has started improving, a total of 160 goods ferrying trucks have started plying from Jiribam to Imphal while approximately 440 goods trucks are still stranded on the National Highway-37, officials said on Saturday.

Owing to the ethnic violence between the two communities that claimed the life of a Meitei man has triggered the burning of around 100 houses during the period from June 6, 2024.

This also resulted in the halting of transportation of all vehicles on NH-37.

However, on Saturday with the heavy security escorts of the state and central forces, 160 fully loaded trucks have started plying from Imphal.

The remaining goods vehicles with adequate security measures would be resuming their services, the officials said. 

The violence that started on June 6 resulted in these vehicles being stranded at many places along the NH-37, particularly in Noney, Khongsang, Irang, and Jiribam areas.

In this prevailing situation, M Anil Meitei, general secretary of the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers’ Union appealed to the government to initiate effective measures for the safe movement of stranded trucks to Imphal and vice-versa and also to provide security escort for its safe passage.

Mendicant Manipur state is highly dependent on the import of food and other essential items from outside the state.

The state has two lifelines — NH 37 and NH 102 Imphal-Dimapur.

Police reports on Saturday stated that the movement of 232 vehicles along NH-102 with essential items has been ensured.

Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations and a security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles.