After a span of 54 days, the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) has reopened, marking the resumption of vehicle movement carrying essential supplies. The economic blockade, which was imposed in response to ethnic violence in Manipur, was lifted on Sunday.
According to officials in Imphal, the reopening of NH-2, known as the lifeline of Manipur, will facilitate easier transportation of essentials, food grains, transportation fuels, and life-saving drugs to all 16 districts of the northeastern state.
Since the blockade of NH-2 began early last month, Manipur had relied solely on the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) through southern Assam for procuring essential goods, food grains, transportation fuels, life-saving drugs, and other materials from different states in the country.
The United People’s Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) jointly announced the decision to lift the blockade on the national highway passing through Kangpokpi district. Their objective was to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities in Manipur.
This decision was made in consideration of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s expressed concern to restore peace, harmony, and alleviate the general public’s plight in the state. The joint statement, signed by UPF spokesperson Aaron Kipgen and KNO spokesperson Seilen Haokip, emphasized that consultations with various civil society organizations, village chiefs, youth, and women leaders had taken place on multiple occasions before reaching this decision.
The statement shed light on the ethnic violence that has plagued Manipur since May 3, resulting in the loss of lives, property destruction, injuries, and displacement of thousands. It further stated that the ongoing conflict has disrupted the traditional communal harmony in the state.
The Kuki-Zo community, affected by recurrent attacks from miscreants, has urged authorities to protect their lives and properties. Earlier, Kuki-Zo organizations had met with the Union Home Minister, requesting security for vulnerable villages in the bordering and foothill areas.
The statement stated, “Once the deployment of central forces is completed in all vulnerable areas, we will ensure that our volunteers are withdrawn from these areas to help restore peace and tranquility.” (Edited)
