Now Reading: Manipur reopens national highways after ethnic blockades, but Kuki body opposes
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Manipur reopens national highways after ethnic blockades, but Kuki body opposes
Manipur reopens national highways after ethnic blockades, but Kuki body opposes
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 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.
The Indian Opinion
Both sides in Manipur's ethnic conflict trade accusations of blockades and militarisation while the state government claims a breakthrough. The Kuki-Zo Council's refusal to accept NH-2 reopening without a Meitei agreement shows deep mistrust remains. The Tangkhul Naga Long's demand to end 'militarisation' and reject a separate Kuki administration reveals competing territorial claims. Real progress will be measured not by announcements but by whether Kuki and Naga groups actually allow free movement on these roads within a week.
Sources (2): nationalheraldindia.com, economictimes.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
