Kuki-Zo groups deny blocking NH-2; say reopening not endorsement of unrestricted movement

In a joint statement, the two organisations clarified that contrary to “misinformed” narratives, the Kuki-Zo community never closed or blocked the National Highway-2.

Members of the Kuki-Zo Women's Forum protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, demanding a separate administration for the tribal population of Manipur living in its hill districts. (Image used for representative purposes.) (File Photo | Parveen Negi, EPS)

GUWAHATI: Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) – umbrella organisations of Kuki-Zo rebel groups – on Saturday said the reopening of National Highway 2 in ethnic violence-hit Manipur “must not be misinterpreted as an endorsement of unrestricted movement between Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas.”

The KNO and the UPF recently signed an agreement with the Centre to extend the Suspension of Operations agreement.

In a joint statement, the two organisations clarified that contrary to “misinformed” narratives, the Kuki-Zo community never closed or blocked the National Highway-2. It enters Manipur from Nagaland after traversing the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district. 

“KNO and UPF reiterate that this gesture must not be misinterpreted as an endorsement of unrestricted movement across buffer zones between Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas. The sanctity of these zones remains paramount, and the responsibility for securing the highway lies with the Government of India and its deployed force,” the statement said.

It further stated that the KNO and the UPF would uphold the people’s aspiration in future political dialogues for the creation of a Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo people within the Constitution of India.

Stating that the path forward lies in dialogue and not division, the statement said the government, KNO and UPF reaffirmed their commitment to a structured and time-bound tripartite dialogue to pave the way for a negotiated political settlement under the Constitution of India.

Meanwhile, the Meitei Heritage Society expressed serious concern over the September 4, 2025, press release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs that the “Kuki Zo Council decides to open the National Highway 2…”

The Society said the PIB release was deeply concerning because it suggested that the authority to open or close the National Highways in Manipur lies with a “private organisation” and not with the Indian state.

“The fundamental right of free movement provided by the Indian Constitution will be dictated by militants and private organisations, not enforced by the Indian state. This is both embarrassing and unacceptable,” the Society said in a statement.