Manipur Unrest: NH-2 connecting Kangpokpi to Imphal to open from tomorrow

By Kaybie Chongloi

The important National Highway-2, also known as the Trans Asian Highway No. 1, the lifeline of Manipur, will be open from June 5 after a month-long blockade since the wide-scale violence erupted on May 3.

National Highway 2 passes through Manipur’s violence- hit Kangpokpi district which connects the Manipur state capital Imphal with the rest of India.

Though no organizations had officially declared a blockade along the National Highway 2, it had a deserted look ever since the wide-scale violence erupted in the state, as no vehicles, mainly essential commodities carriers, had been on the road.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to the violence hit Kangpokpi appealed to the people for smooth traffic flow along the highway.

The Committee on Tribal Unity Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District, had a consultation with various civil society organizations, including village chiefs, youth leaders, the women’s forum, and other prominent Kuki leaders, over the Union Home Minister’s appeal and several other issues.

According to the Spokesperson of the Committee on Tribal Unity Sadar Hills, Rev. K. Sitlhou, as a goodwill gesture to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Kangpokpi District on May 31 and his humble appeal, the people of Kangpokpi decided to clear and open the National Highway-2 temporarily for seven days, starting from June 5.

The spokesperson of COTU, however, said that only essential commodities and medical supplies will be allowed to ply on the highway with the escort of the central forces.

The timing for the movement of essential commodities trucks shall be limited between 10 am and 2 pm,” he added.

“This is done wholly in support of the “Peace Mission” of the Government of India to address the Kuki political issue”, Sitlhou asserted.

Also Read: Amit Shah’s ‘sincere appeal’ to people of Manipur to lift blockades