IMPHAL, June 24: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra on Monday stressed that the restoration of unrestricted movement along the state’s National Highways and major routes is essential for advancing peace in the conflict-ridden state.
Addressing media persons, Meghachandra cited Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement that conditions in Manipur were still not conducive for the return of an elected government. “For the last 780 days, there has been no complete free movement in the state,” the Wangkhem MLA said.
He recalled that Shah had ordered the resumption of free passage from March 8, with state transport services to be escorted by armed personnel. However, Meghachandra claimed the directive has barely been implemented, with ground realities showing little improvement.
“If the government restores free movement in the state, it will mark a step toward peace,” he asserted.
Manipur remains deeply affected by ethnic tensions that erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki communities. In the aftermath, Kuki groups have fiercely opposed free movement along key highways—NH-2 (Imphal to Dimapur) and NH-37 (Imphal to Silchar)—which traverse Kuki-dominated regions. The groups have insisted that free passage will not be permitted unless their demand for a separate administration is met.
The state’s attempt to implement the March 8 order saw a tragic setback. A state-run bus traveling from Imphal through Kangpokpi district, a Kuki-majority area, came under attack by protesters, leading to violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. One person was killed in the firing, and several others sustained injuries.
