# Manipur reopens national highways after ethnic blockades, but Kuki body opposes

2026-08-09T14:11:08+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

The Manipur government announced the immediate reopening of national highways for all communities, more than a year after the Centre's efforts to clear 'economic blockades' failed. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh made the announcement in Kangpokpi, a Kuki-majority district, alongside Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen. They also announced resumption of bus services between Imphal and Kohima. The Kuki-Zo Council opposed the reopening of NH-2 without an agreement with Meitei groups. The Tangkhul Naga Long welcomed the move but urged an end to 'militarisation' of Naga areas and rejection of a separate Kuki administration. Blockades on NH-2 and NH-202 began after ethnic violence erupted between Kuki-Zo and Meitei groups in May 2023, later spreading to tensions between Kuki-Zo and Naga groups.

## Coverage

- nationalheraldindia.com <https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/manipur-govt-announces-reopening-of-highways-after-years-of-ethnic-blockades>
- economictimes.indiatimes.com <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/manipur-reopens-highways-for-free-movement-of-all/articleshow/133057831.cms>

Tags: blockades, ethnic conflict, highways, Kuki-Zo, Manipur, Naga
Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/manipur-govt-reopens-national-highways-for-all-communities/
License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources.
Cite: https://indianopinion.org/manipur-govt-reopens-national-highways-for-all-communities/#story-in-brief

Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.