NH2 Reopens, But Kuki-Zo Groups Caution Against Unrestricted Movement

Speedy Summary

• Two extremist umbrella organizations in Manipur clarified that the “reopening” of National Highway 2 (NH2) does not imply unrestricted movement between Meitei and Kuki-Zo dominated areas.
• The NH2, a key route, runs through kuki-inhabited Kangpokpi before reaching the Meitei-majority imphal Valley.
• On September 4, the Ministry of Home affairs announced that the Kuki Zo Council (KZC) agreed to reopen NH2. This coincided with an extension of the suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with two Kuki-Zo armed group conglomerates: Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF).
• The agreement includes commitments to maintain Manipur’s territorial integrity, relocate camps from sensitive zones, and engage in structured dialogues for peace.
• The KNO-UPF denied ever imposing a blockade on NH2 and clarified that their call for safe passage in Kangpokpi is not equivalent to unrestricted access across buffer zones between ethnic communities.
• They also reiterated aspirations for a Union Territory with legislature for the Kuki-Zo people within India’s constitutional framework.
• Meanwhile,meitei groups accused the Centre of issuing misleading statements about NH2’s reopening and criticized its bypassing of earlier decisions by manipur’s elected government.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The developments regarding National Highway 2 signify progress but highlight underlying challenges in reconciling tensions between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. While reopening such essential infrastructure helps restore basic connectivity pivotal for public welfare and economic activity, unresolved concerns around buffer zones underscore lingering mistrust.

By renegotiating terms under SoO agreements without local consensus-building efforts involving all stakeholders within Manipur’s state apparatus or wider recognition thereof politically risks not embedding broader legitimacy organically . Address operational practical!!local adjustment Read more: Full Story