Kuki organization lifts economic blockade on Manipur's National Highway-2

The Kuki CSO Working Committee has lifted a 16-day counter-economic blockade and total shutdown along parts of National Highway-2 (NH-2) in Manipur. The blockade, which began on July 27 and intensified on August 5, was implemented in response to what the committee described as a selective economic blockade targeting the Kuki-Zo community by certain Tangkhul and Meitei groups.

The decision to reopen the highway followed a meeting at Shangkai village between a Manipur government delegation, led by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam and MLA Thokchom Radhe Shyam, and representatives of the Kuki CSO Working Committee. The government provided assurances that the highway would remain open for the free and non-discriminatory movement of essential commodities.

Following the lifting of the restrictions, more than 460 goods-laden vehicles, primarily trucks that had been stranded for nearly two weeks, resumed their journeys. The government delegation stated that an agreement had been reached between the concerned groups to end the blockade, and a handwritten agreement was signed with government representatives to ensure the safety and security of movement along NH-2.