With truckers facing intimidation and excessive illegal taxation, businesses in Manipur struggle to maintain supply chains. The dismantling of bunkers is a step forward, but without consistent enforcement, will the problem ever end?
BY PC Bureau
The security forces apprehended six suspected Kuki Village Volunteers and dismantled an illegal checkpoint and bunker at Gamliphai, bordering Imphal West on National Highway-02 in Manipur, on Thursday morning. The operation commenced at 4 am with the deployment of a bulldozer to dismantle the unauthorized structures and concluded successfully around 9 am.
These structures were reportedly established during the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, and had been utilized by anti-social elements to collect illegal taxes from vehicles traversing the highway for several months. Truck drivers have reported being coerced into paying between ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 at multiple unauthorized checkpoints within a short span, significantly impacting their livelihoods and contributing to inflation in the region.
The arrests mark the first significant action in Kangpokpi district since the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13. The detained individuals have been handed over to the local police station for further legal proceedings. This operation is viewed as a crucial step toward restoring normalcy and ensuring the free movement of vehicles on this vital highway.
The dismantling of such illegal checkpoints is expected to alleviate the financial burden on transporters and, by extension, consumers, as the costs of these illegal ‘taxes’ were often passed down, leading to inflated prices of essential commodities in the region.
Authorities are urging the public to report any instances of illegal taxation or extortion to aid in the ongoing efforts to curb such activities and restore law and order in Manipur.
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The presence of these illegal bunkers along National Highway-102 not only facilitated extortion but also posed a major threat to law and order in Manipur. Armed groups allegedly used these structures as vantage points to monitor and control movement, often intimidating commuters and security personnel. Reports indicate that these bunkers were also used as hideouts for insurgents and criminals, making police operations in the area more challenging. Their existence fueled insecurity, creating fear among travelers, and disrupting the supply chain of essential goods. By dismantling these bunkers, security forces aim to restore civilian confidence and ensure unhindered transportation across the region.
The Menace of Extortion on Manipur’s Highways
Extortion along Manipur’s highways has become a persistent issue, severely impacting both local businesses and truck drivers transporting essential goods. Armed groups and criminal elements have set up illegal check posts and bunkers along key routes, such as National Highway-102 (Imphal to Dimapur), demanding hefty sums from passing vehicles.
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Truck drivers, already facing challenging road conditions and security risks, are often forced to pay anywhere between ₹5,000 to ₹50,000 per trip, depending on the goods they transport. Failure to comply can lead to threats, vehicle damage, or even physical assault. This unlawful taxation not only raises the cost of goods for consumers but also disrupts the supply of essentials like food, fuel, and medical supplies.
Authorities have ramped up security measures, conducting raids to dismantle illegal structures used for extortion. However, despite these efforts, the problem persists, fueled by deep-rooted insurgency, ethnic conflicts, and weak enforcement in certain areas. Until a sustained crackdown is implemented, highway extortion will continue to cripple Manipur’s economic stability and threaten the safety of those using these vital transport routes.
