Manipur: Kuki-Zo Council to Reopen NH-2 After Agreement with Centre, Fresh SoO Pact Signed

In a major step towards restoring normalcy in violence-hit Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on Thursday announced that it will reopen National Highway-2 (NH-2), a key supply route, following a series of meetings with the Union Home Ministry. The decision is expected to ease the hardships of thousands affected by ethnic unrest that has gripped the state since May 2023.

NH-2 serves as a crucial link between Manipur’s valley and neighbouring Nagaland. Its closure had severely disrupted the movement of food, medicines, and other essentials, worsening conditions for displaced families living in relief camps. The reopening, officials said, would allow free passage of both commuters and essential goods.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the KZC has assured cooperation with central security forces such as the CRPF and BSF to ensure safe and unhindered traffic along the highway. The announcement came alongside the renewal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, signed in a tripartite meeting between the Centre, the Manipur government, and two Kuki armed groups — the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF).

The one-year SoO pact includes revised ground rules aimed at de-escalating tensions. These provisions call for relocating seven designated camps away from sensitive zones, cutting down their overall number, shifting weapons to nearby CRPF and BSF armouries, and stricter verification of cadres to weed out foreign nationals.

A Joint Monitoring Group has been formed to oversee compliance, with the Centre making it clear that any violations could trigger a re-evaluation of the pact. Officials said the agreement underscores the Centre’s intent to maintain Manipur’s territorial integrity while addressing the concerns of Kuki groups.