Manipur Kuki group lifts counter-blockade on NH-2 after government assurance

New Delhi: A Kuki civil society organization in Manipur has lifted its counter-economic blockade and total shutdown along NH-2 after the state government assured it that blockades and disruptions on the key route would be prevented. The move comes after more than 460 goods-carrying vehicles, which had been stranded for nearly two weeks, resumed their journey following the reopening of the highway.

The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul (WCKCSO) ended its blockade at 4.30pm on Tuesday, following a meeting with a government delegation led by state home minister, Govindas Konthoujam Govindas Singh and BJP MLA, Thokchom Radheshyam Singh in Ukhrul district.

The organization had imposed the counter-economic blockade on July 27 and escalated it into a total shutdown from August 5. It said the action was in response to what it described as a selective economic blockade targeting the Kuki-Zo community along the highway by certain Tangkhul Naga and Meitei groups.

Government gives security and supply assurances

According to the WCKCSO, the government delegation informed the organization that an agreement had been reached with the concerned Tangkhul Naga and Meitei groups to end the blockade targeting Kuki-Zo people along the highway.

A handwritten agreement was subsequently signed between the government delegation and the Kuki organization. Under the agreement, the government undertook responsibility for maintaining the safety and security of NH-2 and preventing any group from imposing blockades or creating disturbances along the route.

The government also assured the organization of the free and non-discriminatory movement of essential commodities, which had become a key concern amid the restrictions on movement.

The WCKCSO said normal movement could resume from 4.30pm and welcomed the government’s intervention. However, it also made clear that the lifting of its blockade was dependent on the assurances being implemented. The organization said it expected the agreement to be followed “in letter and spirit” and that no community should face selective economic restrictions.

The reopening of the highway provided immediate relief to transporters and traders. A senior police official said more than 460 goods-carrying vehicles, mostly trucks, which had remained stranded for around two weeks, resumed their journey towards Ukhrul.

The Maniour home minister, Govindas Singh, said on social media that the reopening was an important step towards restoring the movement of people and essential goods. He said the meeting had been held under the direction of the chief minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh.

The dispute over NH-2 comes against the backdrop of continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur. The state has faced prolonged violence since 2023, when clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities developed into a wider conflict involving other communities.

The latest Kuki-Naga tensions intensified after twin ambushes on May 13, in which four people, including three church leaders, were killed. On the same day, Kuki-Zo and Naga groups captured 48 people. Fourteen captives from each community were released on May 15, while the remaining 14 Kuki-Zo hostages were freed on June 9.

The bodies of six Nagas were found on June 10, after which the Naga group imposed an economic blockade, demanding justice over their deaths. The Kuki organization later launched its counter-blockade along the highway.

The status of the United Naga Council’s ongoing economic blockade remains unclear, as there has been no confirmation of its withdrawal.

NH-2, also known as the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway, is one of Manipur’s two major road links with the rest of the country, the other being NH-37, the Imphal-Jiribam highway. Prolonged restrictions on these routes can affect the movement of food, fuel and other essential supplies in the landlocked state.

The lifting of the Kuki counter-blockade therefore removes one immediate source of disruption, but the wider situation remains fragile. The implementation of the government’s assurances and the continued movement of essential goods along NH-2 are likely to remain closely watched as authorities attempt to prevent further escalation.