Movement curbs in Manipur stay despite open NH

GUWAHATI: Reopening of national highway-2, the Imphal-Nagaland supply lifeline, has reignited tension in Manipur's fragile peace process, with two Kuki-Zo armed groups warning Saturday that it "must not be misinterpreted as an endorsement of unrestricted movement between Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas".The caution from Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF) came two days after they signed a revised year-long extension of suspension of operations (ceasefire agreement) with the Centre and the state. Under the pact, the groups agreed to maintain Manipur's territorial integrity, shift designated camps away from vulnerable areas, and work towards a political settlement. The agreement, first signed in 2008, has been renewed periodically.Over 260 people have been killed and over 60,000 displaced since Meitei-Kuki clashes erupted in May 2023. Both sides have since avoided each other's territories - so much so that family of Lamnunthem Singson, a flight attendant killed in the Air India flight crash on June 12, routed her body through Kohima by road to avoid Meitei-inhabited areas.Kuki-Zo council agreed recently to reopen NH-2 after talks with home ministry. KNO and UPF said Kuki-Zo groups never blocked NH-2 and the council's appeal was limited to the Kangpokpi stretch to allow passage of essential goods. The two bodies reaffirmed commitment to structured tripartite dialogue aimed at a negotiated settlement within Constitution.