According to reports, around 6:00 PM on December 30, 2024, the indefinite economic blockade of National Highway-37, which connects Imphal and Jiribam, was lifted. The Jal Jeevan Mission-New Development Bank Joint Action Committee (JAC) is in charge of the blockade, which has been in place since December 27, 2024, with assistance from Tousem and Tamenglong Block stakeholders. Following an agreement reached by VPRPL, Vishnu Prakash R Punglia Ltd., and a few local facilitators—in this case, Akhon Kamei and TP Sangjiuyiung—the roadblock has been lifted.
The primary cause of the impasse was the local stakeholders’ delay in making payables. VPRPL will pay the outstanding payment by January 7, 2025, without additional postponement, as part of the settlement. The JAC was persuaded to loosen the blockade by this pledge, which was obtained through discussions. The JAC saw the public’s mounting annoyance, particularly as the New Year’s festivities drew near. Despite the deal, the JAC sent a strong warning to all parties involved.
In the event that VPRPL does not fulfill its commitment by the predetermined time, the committee unanimously decided to resume a more severe form of agitation. This demonstrates how serious the JAC’s expectations are and how committed they are to ensuring compliance. Commuters and merchants who depend on National Highway-37 are glad that the barricade has been temporarily lifted. However, if promises are broken, the fragile situation could erupt once more. The agreement’s durability and ability to resolve the problem in the long run will be determined in the upcoming weeks.
