A major coordination breakdown in security deployment along National Highway-37 in Manipur has left hundreds of loaded trucks and fuel tankers stranded, even as authorities confirmed the regulated movement of 515 vehicles carrying essential supplies.
The Director General of Police had initially requested three security convoys to escort loaded trucks from Jiribam and Assam to Imphal, along with three additional convoys for the return of empty vehicles. However, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) reduced the deployment, citing crew fatigue and difficult highway conditions.
Following the revision, only one convoy was assigned for empty trucks moving towards Jiribam and two convoys for loaded trucks heading to Imphal. As a result, out of the stranded vehicles, around 300 trucks carrying petroleum products and essential commodities were able to move towards Imphal, while 201 empty trucks proceeded towards Jiribam.
Transport associations reported significant disruption, with the Manipur Truck Owners’ Welfare Association arranging 48 vehicles for escort duties, but only 16 being utilised after the scaled-down deployment. The All Manipur Road Transport Drivers’ and Motor Workers’ Union (AMRTD&MWU) stated that nearly 800 trucks were affected, many stranded for up to four days.
Drivers’ representatives said the ongoing reliance on NH-37 is due to blockades on NH-2, forcing heavy dependence on a single supply route. Concerns have also been raised that security priorities have focused mainly on petroleum tankers, leaving other essential goods delayed. Transporters have urged the government to deploy additional personnel from the 10th and 11th IRB battalions to strengthen highway security and ensure smoother movement of essential supplies.
