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

The Story in Brief

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.