NewKerala.com

Key Points

Security forces have begun trial runs on the Imphal-Senapati stretch of National Highway 2 with empty vehicles under heavy escort. The convoys traveled between Kangpokpi and Imphal without any passengers from the conflicting communities. This development comes after the Kuki-Zo Council agreed to cooperate with security forces on limited movement. However, full reopening of the highway remains contingent on resolving the ongoing ethnic conflict.

Key Points: Manipur Trial Run Begins on Imphal-Senapati NH-2 With Security

  • Eight vehicle convoy escorted by police and BSF from Kangpokpi to Imphal
  • No passengers from Meitei or Kuki communities were onboard vehicles
  • Kuki-Zo Council cooperating but restricts full highway reopening
  • Security forces arrested individuals for extortion and drug recovery
  • Trial runs follow SoO pact extension and KZC agreement
  • Convoys travel through Naga-inhabited areas as neutral route
2 min read

Manipur: Trial Run for free movement on Imphal-Senapati NH-2 begins under security escort, no passengers onboard

Security forces escort empty vehicles on Imphal-Senapati NH-2 in trial run aimed at restoring movement amid ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur

"The initiative marks a gradual effort to reopen NH-2 for movement - Well-placed source"

Imphal, October 6

In a move to restore safe and free movement in violence-affected Manipur, a trial run of passenger vehicles was commenced, along the Imphal-Senapati stretch of National Highway 2.

The vehicles were escorted by State police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) since Saturday, with drivers and assistants belonging to a neutral community. According to a well-placed source, although no occupants from the warring Meitei and Kuki communities were on board, the initiative marks a gradual effort to reopen NH-2 for movement.

According to reports, a convoy of eight vehicles, escorted by the police and the Border Security Force (BSF), departed from Kangpokpi towards Imphal at around 6:15 am and reached Bir Tikendrajit International Airport by 7:30 am. The convoy is scheduled to return from Imphal Airport to Kangpokpi via P. Khullen Village, a Naga-inhabited area, around 4:30 pm.

Another convoy of eight vehicles, also escorted by police and BSF personnel, travelled from Awang Sekmai towards Senapati, passing through Kangpokpi at around 8 am. Both convoys carried no passengers.

The development comes weeks after the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) agreed to reopen NH-2 for the free movement of commuters and essential goods, following the extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact on September 3, 2025.

However, the KZC later clarified that it has not permitted unrestricted movement, stating that it is cooperating with Central security forces along the Kangpokpi stretch of NH-2 but will not fully reopen the highway to Meitei individuals until a resolution to the ethnic conflict is reached.

The KZC had also stated that no individuals from either community should cross the designated "buffer zones" until a settlement is achieved.

Earlier on October 5, Security Forces arrested two persons from their respective residences under Heingang-PS of Imphal East district. Cash amount of Rs Thirty Eight Lakhs and Two Kgs of WY tablets were recovered from them.

In another operation, Manipur Police arrested two persons who were involved in extortion from vehicles plying on NH-02 from Keinou bazar under Bishnupur-PS of Bishnupur district. One Two-Wheeler and one mobile phone along with one SIM card were recovered from their possession.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Empty vehicles with security escort? This feels more like a PR exercise than actual progress. When will ordinary citizens be able to travel safely without military protection?
A
Arjun K
The arrests mentioned at the end show the real problem - criminal elements taking advantage of the situation. Security forces should focus on these anti-social elements first.
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Sarah B
As someone who has family in Manipur, I appreciate any effort to restore connectivity. The highway blockade has caused so much hardship for common people. Hope this trial leads to real movement soon.
V
Vikram M
The KZC's clarification is concerning. If they're not allowing Meitei individuals even after this trial, what's the point? Both communities need to travel freely for true normalcy.
M
Michael C
Good to see coordinated efforts between state police and central forces. This kind of cooperation is essential for resolving complex regional conflicts in India.

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