IMPHAL, Dec 31: The indefinite economic blockade of National Highway-37, which connects Imphal and Jiribam, was officially lifted at 6:00 PM on December 30, 2024. The blockade, which began on December 27, 2024, was spearheaded by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Jal Jeevan Mission-New Development Bank with the cooperation of stakeholders from Tousem and Tamenglong Blocks.
The blockade was ended following an agreement between Vishnu Prakash R Punglia Ltd. (VPRPL) and local facilitators, including Akhon Kamei and TP Sangjiuyiung. The primary reason for the agitation was the delay in payment to local stakeholders. As part of the resolution, VPRPL has committed to settling the pending bills by January 7, 2025, without further delay. This assurance, secured through negotiations, was instrumental in convincing the JAC to temporarily lift the blockade.
The JAC acknowledged the growing frustration among the public, particularly with New Year celebrations approaching, as the blockade had caused significant disruptions in the transportation of essential goods and services. Taking these grievances into account, the JAC decided to ease restrictions temporarily while balancing their demands with the community’s needs.
However, the JAC issued a stern warning to all stakeholders, stating that more stringent agitation would resume if VPRPL fails to fulfill its commitment by the agreed deadline.
