Imphal, August 19:    Vehicle movement on National Highway 37 (NH-37) and Tongjei Maril Road has been severely impacted due to an indefinite bandh organized by the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur Ntayphay Luangrian (Foot Hills) RNCM-NTL. The shutdown, which commenced at midnight on August 18, has led to significant disruptions as protesters have blocked roads with fallen trees, boulders, and burning tyres.

The bandh is in response to demands for an Alternative Administrative Arrangement for the minority Naga tribes in Noney District, who are reportedly struggling with accessibility to their district headquarters under the current administrative setup. As a result, vehicle traffic on NH-37, which connects Imphal to Jiri, and on Tongjei Maril Road, linking Bisnupur to Khoupum and Rengpang, has come to a halt.

Adding to the challenges, the region is experiencing severe weather conditions. Continuous rainfall has caused landslides and mudslides between K. Sinam and Sehjang Village in Kangpokpi District along NH-37. The ongoing bandh has hampered efforts to clear the debris, with machinery operators concerned about safety.

A major landslide has also occurred at Awangkhul in Noney District along NH-37, depositing large amounts of debris that will require extensive time and effort to remove. The bandh and landslides has led to significant disruptions in transportation and accessibility, causing widespread inconvenience for both travelers and local residents.