‘Free movement for all’: Manipur government reopens national highways after 3 years

The Manipur government has reopened its national highways, allowing free movement of people across all communities, marking a significant milestone for the state. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, and Legislator Haokholet Kipgen jointly declared the opening of NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) and NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur road) which have been severely impacted by law-and-order challenges and blockades since the ethnic violence outbreak on May 3, 2023.

The government has also reinstated the Imphal-Dimapur bus service. In a public address, Singh emphasized that the state’s boundaries are safeguarded by all communities and urged the public to overcome confusion created by vested interests. He called for mutual trust, love, and understanding among communities and highlighted that India's development is incomplete without the progress of the Northeast, while Manipur's development would be incomplete without Kangpokpi district's growth.

Deputy Chief Minister Kipgen echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of balanced development between the valley and hill areas for the state's overall progress. She emphasized that lasting peace in Manipur can be achieved only through mutual trust, love, and understanding among communities, seeking support from civil society organizations, public leaders, intellectuals, and all stakeholders.