How Blockade and Movement Restrictions Caused a Growing Humanitarian Crisis Along Manipur’s IT Road

“No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law” as enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is the bedrock of fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens of India. Yet, IT Road situated in Kangpokpi district in the state of Manipur is in a state of unimaginable humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing conflict between Kuki and Naga communities.

The IT Road (Imphal-Tamenglong road) which falls under Kangpokpi district, encompasses an approximate of around 36 Kuki villages, adjoining with Naga and Nepali villages. IT Road is the lifeline to the entire region as there are no alternative roads. Following the UNC’s Declaration in May, it has not only resulted into an economic blockade but there are also strict restrictions upon civilian movement along Chavangkining and Thonglang Atongba villages, which are inevitable connectivity routes to access the IT Road area.

The ongoing economic blockade and restriction of civilian movement and essential commodities has multifaceted impact on the lives of residents within the region. In respect of essential commodities and daily requirements, President of the Songjang Pakang Youth Club (SPYC) said that “almost three months into it, only two escorts have successfully transported essential commodities to the IT Road area under the supervision of SP, Kangpokpi”. He further added that, “a kilo of sugar costs a whooping 350 rupees at the current rates. We are running out of basic medicines, food supplies, everyday commodities”.

A significant aftermath of the existing blockade is the economic impact on livelihood. A huge chunk of the population of the IT Road region is dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods, most of whom are small-scale farmers, who live from hand-to-mouth. These farmers usually take down their produce to bigger towns like Kangpokpi to keep food on their tables. Yet, with the current restrictions prohibiting them from accessing the market, the local economy has come to a standstill, denying people of their right to livelihood.

On the same lines, restriction on civilian movement has brought far-fetching consequence on human lives. T. Waichong Primary Health Care is the only healthcare centre available in the entire IT Road stretch, despite the presence of a large number of villages. With only one operational PHC which is not even fully equipped, the restriction has claimed four lives from the region, including two babies due to inadequacy of available medical care and the inability to access timely medical assistance in the district headquarter.This is yet another deprivation of the right to health and medical care which is guaranteed under Article 21. However, in an attempt to quell the healthcare deficit and to provide timely assistance, a medical team of two doctors were recently dispatched to T. Waichong PHC under the initiative of the district administration, Kangpokpi.

Moreover, another resident of Songjang noted that, “the non-availability of nutritious foods for months on end has greatly impacted the health of infants and lactating mothers and this could be one of the possible causes for the rising health issue”.

People are deprived of the right to nutritional food, while sustaining themselves on whatever is available to them. President of SPYC pointed out, “Households are cutting down on consumption to sustain themselves in the long run”.

Education is another sector which is impacted by the current state of affairs. There are around 15 schools in IT Road, among which T. Waichong High School and Gelnel Higher Secondary School are prominent ones. As a consequence of the aftermath of the blockade and restrictions on movement, schools are facing the same set of consequences. President of SPYC asserted, “Mid-day meals are no feasible due to non-availability of food supplies, hostels are running out of food provisions, students no longer have access to stationary items and school uniforms”.

Mention may also be made of the lack of telecommunication services in the IT Road area. With only two functional services i.e. Jio and Airtel and erratic electricity supply, internet connectivity is unreliable and the concepts of ‘online learning’ is not an option for students in this area.

The current situation has brought every aspect of life into a complete standstill, while also bringing about grave consequences on human lives. In this connection, the Twilang Area Kuki CSO Coordinating Media Cell released a press release urging for the protection of civilian life, access to essential healthcare and humanitarian services be prioritised above all differences.