Bus services badly affect general life in Imphal due to militants’ threat

IMPHAL - Inter-state bus services in Manipur have been hit after an outfit, suspected to be the militant People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), imposed a ban on vehicles passing on National Highway-39.

For last three days, the bus services have been badly affected. On Friday, all ticket counters remained closed.

Most of the travellers prefer National Highway-39 to commute.

“If they (militants) prohibit us to ply on NH-39, then there is no other option for us to travel. As we already know, the condition of the other alternative road NH-53 is deplorable. It is not possible to pass on that road. Passengers are facing immense problems,” said N. Kunjakeshore Singh, President of the All Manipur Inter State Bus Association.

Kunjakeshore added that it took almost a week for a passenger to reach Guwahati from Imphal.

Local residents also say that their daily lives have been affected badly and could hamper the development of the region.

“It is very inconvenient for all of us. We couldn’t travel freely. It is affecting all of us, and it will definitely hamper development,” said Mangcha Vaiphei, a local resident.

Locals are also complaining that they have no other choice but to travel by vans and other vehicles, and end up paying Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,300 to reach Dimapur in neighbouring Nagaland state.

On Wednesday, PREPAK cadres had allegedly called up the bus counters and questioned if they were not aware of the ban imposed by them, insisting that services should remain suspended until further instructions. (ANI)