A Kuki organization has lifted an indefinite counter-inter-district economic blockade and shutdown of National Highway 202, which connects Manipur with neighboring Nagaland, following a meeting with state government representatives in Ukhrul on Tuesday. The decision came after discussions with state Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam and ruling Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Thokchom Radheshyam. A handwritten agreement was signed with the government delegation, promising the safety and security of NH-202 and preventing future blockades or disruptions to traffic along the vital route. The agreement also assured the “free and non-discriminatory” movement of essential goods, addressing key demands amid concerns over restricted supplies and movement. The Kuki group initiated the counter-blockade on July 27 as retaliation against an indefinite economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) on all national highways in Manipur. The counter-blockade intensified on August 5. The UNC had imposed its blockade in response to the discovery of six Nagas' mutilated bodies on June 10, following allegations that Kuki groups had abducted them on May 13. Despite efforts to resolve the dispute, the UNC has not announced plans to lift its ongoing economic blockade. Tensions between Naga and Kuki-Zo communities escalated significantly after the twin ambushes on May 13, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including three church leaders. On the same day, Kuki-Zo and Naga groups captured 48 people. By May 15, 14 captives from each community were released. The remaining 14 Kuki-Zo hostages were freed unharmed on June 9, shortly before the discovery of the Nagas’ mutilated bodies. Ethnic violence in Manipur began in 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki communities, eventually involving nearly every ethnic group in the state. The Meitei, who are predominantly Hindu, primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, while the Kuki-Zo, mostly Christian, inhabit the hill regions. Although the state government maintains there are no formal buffer zones separating these communities, it has identified specific sensitive areas. A new government was formed in February, nearly a year after President’s Rule was imposed, with representation from all three major communities to promote ethnic balance. However, sporadic violence continues, resulting in over 260 fatalities and the displacement of approximately 60,000 people. In another related incident, five abandoned houses were set ablaze by unknown armed individuals in Kailenjang village, Senapati district, on Monday. The village, which had been abandoned since the 1992 Naga-Kuki conflict, saw residents displaced during that period. Following the escalation of the Naga-Kuki-Zo conflict, particularly after the twin ambushes on May 13, the Kuki villagers were once again displaced and relocated to Taphou Kuki village. Police have yet to identify those responsible for the arson, though Assam Rifles responded to the scene. Locals reported no gunfire during the incident. Further developments emerged in Kangpokpi district, where nine houses in Tokpa Liangmai village were allegedly set ablaze by unknown armed individuals on Tuesday night. This incident occurred after the lifting of the counter-economic blockade by the Kuki Civil Society Organization. The Tokpa Naga Village Authority accused a group of armed individuals wearing camouflage uniforms and wielding automatic weapons of indiscriminate firing and setting fires to homes, a church, and other property. Local authorities criticized the delayed response from the Central Reserve Police Force and Kangpokpi police, who were stationed nearby. The village authority called for an immediate investigation, registration of a first information report, and deployment of additional security forces. The Liangmai Naga Council further alleged that “Kuki Narco-terrorists” were behind the attack, urging the government to take urgent and impartial action. On August 14, the Supreme Court addressed the ongoing crisis, urging both Kuki and Meitei groups to prioritize peace and remove blockades on National Highways leading to Manipur. The court emphasized the critical role of highways in ensuring access to essential services for the population affected by ethnic violence since May 2023. Chief Justice Surya Kant led a three-judge bench that questioned why the groups could not find common ground and allow the highways to remain open. The court also requested clarification on whether other highways to Manipur were similarly affected, while cautioning against issuing directives that might destabilize the region further.
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