In a major step towards easing the prolonged crisis in Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has agreed to reopen National Highway-02 (NH-2) for the smooth passage of commuters and essential goods. The announcement was made by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday after several rounds of talks in New Delhi.
Commitment to Cooperate with Security Forces
The MHA said that the KZC delegation gave a written assurance of full cooperation with central security forces deployed along NH-2 to ensure peace. The ministry’s statement read, “Kuki-Zo Council has given a commitment to cooperate with security forces deployed by the Government of India to maintain peace along NH-2.”
Why NH-2 Matters
NH-2 is one of the most crucial lifelines for Manipur. The highway connects the state with Nagaland and further to the rest of the Northeast. However, since the ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities erupted in May 2023, the highway had remained blocked, causing severe disruptions in the supply of food, medicines, and fuel.
The reopening of NH-2 is being seen as a confidence-building measure to restore normalcy. Officials in Imphal and Delhi believe that restoring the free flow of goods will help ease the hardships of thousands of displaced people and those living in relief camps.
Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
The Manipur conflict, which broke out last year, has caused heavy loss of life, large-scale displacement, and destruction of property. The continuing ethnic divide has also created a humanitarian crisis, with thousands forced to depend on relief measures for survival.
Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement Renewed
Alongside the KZC talks, a tripartite meeting was held in New Delhi between representatives of the MHA, the Government of Manipur, and two armed groups as the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF).
The discussions ended with the signing of a renewed Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement on re-negotiated terms, which will remain in force for one year.
According to the MHA, the revised ground rules of the SoO include two important commitments:
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Upholding the territorial integrity of Manipur.
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Seeking a negotiated solution to bring long-term peace and stability.
Relocation of Camps and Weapons
The ministry further revealed that the KNO and UPF have agreed to relocate seven designated camps from conflict-prone areas. The number of such camps will also be reduced. In addition, all weapons will be shifted to nearby camps of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Border Security Force (BSF) for safekeeping.
Security forces will also carry out strict verification of cadres to identify and remove any foreign nationals listed under these groups.
A Step Toward Normalcy
Officials say these measures reopening NH-2 and renewing the SoO agreement mark an important attempt to reduce tensions and rebuild trust among communities. While challenges remain, the government believes these decisions will gradually pave the way for peace in Manipur.
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