In a major move towards restoring normalcy in violence-hit Manipur, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Saturday announced that National Highway 2 and National Highway 37 would be opened for free movement of people from all communities.
Singh made the announcement during his visit to Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district, where he inaugurated several development projects in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and NDA legislators.
The two highways, NH-2 connecting Imphal and Dimapur and NH-37 linking Imphal with Silchar, pass through Kangpokpi and have faced restrictions for sections of the population since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023.
"Because of the conflict that has happened, future generations have been affected. To reduce that effect, Imphal-Dimapur bus services will resume very shortly for all communities," Singh said.
In a social media post, the chief minister said, "Today marks a significant step towards restoring normalcy in Manipur. In the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and NDA legislators, it was decided that the Imphal-Guwahati Bus Service will resume shortly and the national highway will be open to all communities."
"These steps will strengthen connectivity, rebuild trust and deepen people-to-people bonds. Let us move forward together in peace, reconciliation and hope for a peaceful, united Manipur," Singh said.
Singh, who was welcomed by Kipgen, Saitu MLA Haokholet and senior district officials on his arrival, said Manipur's nearly 3,000-year history had been shaped by contributions and sacrifices from all communities.
He said vested-interest groups were attempting to create confusion among people but stressed that every crisis had a solution. Singh urged communities to trust and support one another, saying people should first consider themselves Indians and then Manipuris.
The chief minister also said the development of the Northeast was essential for India's progress and that Manipur could not advance without the development of Kangpokpi.
At the district headquarters, Singh inaugurated a dialysis unit and called for reconciliation, saying everyone should forgive and forget. He said the government was taking the situation arising from the conflict seriously.
Kipgen backed the move to allow unrestricted movement on the highways, saying they belonged to everyone.
"National highways are not the property of anyone but the property of the nation. I also agree that the movement of all should be allowed on the highways," she said.
Calling the occasion historic, Kipgen said the BJP-led government was working consistently for the state's development. She stressed that Manipur could achieve comprehensive progress only when its hill and valley regions developed equally, and said lasting peace required mutual love and trust among communities.
She also sought the support of civil society organisations, public leaders and intellectuals in efforts to restore lasting peace.
Saitu MLA Haokholet said he was happy to meet fellow MLAs after nearly three years and appealed to all communities and those involved in the conflict to leave the past behind and return to normalcy.
He said NH-2 had served as a lifeline for communities across Manipur since World War II.
(With inputs from PTI)