Manipur Highways Open For All Communities As Kuki Group Lifts NH-202 Blockade
12 Aug 2026 2:21 PM IST12 Aug 2026 2:21 PM IST
Decision Follows Government Assurance Of Safe, Non-Discriminatory Movement On Imphal-Ukhrul Road
The Kuki CSO Working Committee lifted its counter-economic blockade on parts of NH-202 after the government assured free and safe movement of people and essential commodities.
Guwahati: The Kuki Civil Society Organisation Working Committee has lifted its counter-economic blockade on National Highway 202, the Imphal-Ukhrul Road, days after Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called for the resumption of free movement for all communities on Manipur's highways.
The state government had earlier 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. 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 that 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 said that a handwritten agreement was also 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 disturbing 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 said it hopes the agreement to 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 restricted movement that severely affected the transport 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 through Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.
Tensions between Kuki-Zo and Naga groups later further complicated access, with counter-blockades imposed on sections of NH-2 and NH-202.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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