Manipur Blockades: Supreme Court Seeks Proposals From Kuki & Meitei Organizations To Reopen Highways, Impleads NHAI

The Supreme Court has directed Kuki Women Organization for Human Rights and International Meitei Organisation to submit comprehensive, ground-level proposals outlining measures to make all blocked highways functional and safe for public transit.

The Court also impleaded the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) as party-respondent.

A writ petition was filed by Kuki Women Organization for Human Rights (a wing of the Kuki Organization of Human Rights Trust) seeking the removal of the blockade on National Highway No. 2 and the restoration of the supply of essential commodities in the State of Manipur.

The Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana ordered, "Upon oral mentioning, the application for impleadment is allowed, and the said organisation is impleaded as a party respondent in these proceedings...Issue Notice...The newly added respondent, instead of filing a counter-affidavit, shall file details of the other national highway(s) that are currently lying blocked, along with a concrete proposal on how all blocked highways can be made functional and restored. The petitioner organisation shall also submit a comprehensive proposal in that regard...Further, since national highways are maintained by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), we deem it appropriate to implead the Authority as a party respondent to these proceedings."

Senior Advocate Anand Grover appeared for Kuki Women Organization for Human Rights.

Grover pointed out that several other national highways have also reportedly been blocked in the State of Manipur and sought, in coordination with other social organisations, the restoration of traffic on all such national highways.

Justice Bagchi said, "Presidents of influential and other organisations which have taken this step, according to you, allegedly blocking all essential services—should they not be made parties in this writ petition?"

Grover replied, "No, they will not turn up. It is upon the Union, because they control the highway, and the State to take action. Now, the point is this—I just received information because both sides are fighting. I am not appearing for either of them. I made a categorical statement: we are against violence. In fact, I said, "If you are supporting violence, I am not going to appear." There is only one point. So just today, apparently the Kuki militants have lifted their economic blockade. But the Naga militants apparently have not, and they are targeting the Kuki group. Because of that, there is no schooling, no food. It is a very tragic situation. I do not like to put this before your Lordships, but the State cannot remain idle."

CJI Kant said, "Your issue is very genuine. That means national highways have been blocked. We are also equally concerned. But see, because only you can have the best evaluation at the ground level, in case some sweeping directions are issued by the Court and authorities are compelled to enforce opening, it might lead to violence against innocent people."

Sr. Adv. Anand Grover urged that the Union and the State should come together to resolve the issue.

Appearing for the International Meitei Organisation, counsel submitted an impleadment application and characterized the writ petition as misleading and selective.

He contended, "This petition is confined to only one district. We will submit details regarding the district where they reside. What they are seeking now is that there should be no national highway blockade where they reside, while in other parts of Manipur, blockades continue. That is what is happening. They want free access to national highways while blocking the national highways for all other communities... On August 9th of this month, right after the State Minister announced that there would be no blockade of national highways, a Kuki organisation—the National Kuki Women's Organisation—issued a statement that no other community would be allowed to travel through."

CJI Kant said, "People must be tired of this fighting. Four years have gone on. There is already a pitch battle. Now, please think of peace."

Justice Bagchi added, "We are not restricting this only to NH-2 or NH-38. Enlarge the scope so that all highways are open for travel for every individual... It cannot be peaceful if one highway is open while other highways remain closed. All highways are the lifelines of the common person... We must ensure a situation where both of you actively work on the ground to secure access to highways for everyone."

The Bench urged both factions to explore mediation through an appropriate state or administrative platform to restore functional traffic on the highways, noting that the populace was exhausted after years of continuous conflict.

Observing that the construction, maintenance, and oversight of national highways fall within the statutory mandate of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Supreme Court deemed it appropriate to suo motu implead the NHAI as a party respondent to the proceedings.

Ethnic violence in Manipur broke out on May 3, 2025, after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts. The protest was held against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The violence claimed over 260 lives and left thousands of people displaced.

Cause Title: Kuki Women Organization for Human Rights v. The State of Manipur [W.P.(C) No. 961/2026]