Manipur Highways Open For All Communities As Kuki Group Lifts NH-202 Blockade
Decision Follows Government Assurance Of Safe, Non-Discriminatory Movement On Imphal-Ukhrul Road
In a significant development, at least three days after Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called for the resumption of free movement for all communities on Manipur's highways, the Kuki Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Working Committee has lifted its counter-economic blockade on National Highway 202, better known as the Imphal-Ukhrul Road.
Earlier, the state government had announced the reopening of key national highways for the free movement of people from all communities, more than three years after ethnic violence disrupted connectivity. However, while some blockades have been lifted, restrictions persist on critical stretches.
The decision followed a meeting at Shangkai on Tuesday afternoon between the committee and a government delegation led by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs and government spokesperson Thokchom Radhe Shyam.
According to the Kuki CSO Working Committee, the government delegation said an agreement had been reached between the Tangkhul and Meitei groups to end the blockade against "Kuki-Zos" along NH-202.
The Kuki CSO Working Committee also said a handwritten agreement was signed with the government representatives, with the latter taking responsibility for the safety and security of NH-202 and preventing any group from blocking or disrupting movement along the highway.
The Kuki group said it decided to lift the blockade following the government's assurance of free and non-discriminatory movement of essential commodities. It welcomed the government's intervention and expressed hope that the agreement would be implemented in letter and spirit.
Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities erupted on May 3, 2023, leading to widespread blockades, buffer zones and restrictions on movement that severely affected the transportation of essential goods, fuel, medicines and people.
NH-2, historically a lifeline since World War II, and NH-37 faced repeated disruptions due to law-and-order issues and community-imposed economic blockades. Movement for certain groups was particularly restricted on stretches passing through Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.
Later tensions between Kuki-Zo and Naga groups further complicated access, with counter-blockades imposed on sections of NH-2 and NH-202, including the Imphal-Ukhrul Road.
