The Kangleipak Kanba Lup (KKL) on Thursday staged a protest in Imphal, demanding the immediate withdrawal of restrictions on the movement of Meiteis along national highways. Protesters also called for a reduction in flight fares, which have surged as residents increasingly depend on air travel due to the prolonged highway blockade.
The demonstration, supported by women vendors of Khwairamband Ima Keithel, highlighted the difficulties faced by the public since May when restrictions were imposed. Protesters argued that the highways serve as lifelines for every community in Manipur and that barring Meiteis from free passage amounts to discrimination.
One women protester said the restrictions have caused immense hardship, cutting off essential supplies and forcing citizens to bear unaffordable airfare costs. Placards carried during the protest read slogans such as “Justice delayed is justice denied,” and “End divide and rule policy.”
The march concluded near the Manipur High Court complex at Mantripukhri, where participants urged judicial intervention to restore free highway movement. Protesters also criticized the silence of the Central Government, recalling that 29 Meiteis were killed and more than 880 displaced during the recent violence.
