Imphal: In a major breakthrough, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on Thursday agreed to open National Highway-2 for free movement of commuters and essential goods, ending a blockade that had lasted more than two years.
The decision followed a series of meetings in New Delhi between officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and a KZC delegation, including the latest round that began on September 3. The Centre had revived peace talks with both Kuki and Meitei groups in June as part of efforts to restore normalcy in Manipur.
The reopening of NH-2, a crucial lifeline linking Manipur with Nagaland, comes amid speculation over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s possible visit to Manipur later this month his first since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023. The highway has been critical for the supply of food and rations but remained inaccessible during the prolonged unrest.
KZC has pledged to cooperate with security forces deployed along NH-2 to ensure peace in Kuki-dominated areas.
On the same day, a tripartite meeting was held in New Delhi involving representatives of the MHA, Manipur government, Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and United People’s Front (UPF). The meeting concluded with the signing of a revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, which had been stalled since February 29, 2024.
The new one-year pact reaffirms Manipur’s territorial integrity and emphasizes a negotiated solution for lasting peace. It includes key provisions such as relocating seven designated camps away from conflict-prone zones, reducing the total number of camps, depositing weapons at nearby CRPF or BSF bases, and allowing stringent verification of cadres to identify and remove foreign nationals.
A joint monitoring group will oversee enforcement of the ground rules, with violations subject to strict action, including possible review of the SoO agreement.
The agreement is being seen as a significant step towards reconciliation and stability in the troubled state.
