Steps studied to open NH-2 to all

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 16 : Even though the Government has been working hard to resume free movement of all communities on Imphal-Dimapur highway (NH-2), Meitei people still feel not secure enough to travel on the highway.
Following the violent crisis which erupted on May 3, 2023, Meiteis have been denied access to NH-2 while Kukis cannot still come to Imphal.
Nonetheless, the illegal checkpost set up by Kukis at Gamgiphai where movement of Meiteis was checked/prevented has been removed.  
Coupled with the removal of the illegal checkpost, the new Government headed by Yumnam Khemchand is poised to take up strong measures against any kind of obstruction to free movement on NH-2, sources said.
According to the sources, a limited number of Meiteis have started travelling on the highway.
Following a number of measures taken up by armed groups and local people in the Kangpokpi area to prevent untoward incidents along the highway, a limited number of Meiteis have started travelling on the highway but they don’t feel secure enough and there is an air of apprehension.
Meanwhile, several armed groups and CSOs active along NH-2, keeping faith in Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, have purportedly asked everyone  not to create any disturbance or obstruction for some time and see what the new Government does.
There is already an understanding among SoO groups and non-SoO groups on the matter, said the sources.
The sources said that allotment of the post of Deputy Chief Minister to Kangpokpi AC MLA Nemcha Kipgen has cemented this understanding.
CSOs like CoTU, KSO Kangpokpi and Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi have purportedly agreed to remain silent for some time to see what the Khemchand Government does.
At the same time, the Government of India, Government of Manipur, SoO groups and non-SoO groups have been working to ensure free movement of all communities on NH-2, said the sources.
CSOs and the public have been reportedly asked  not to organise mass rallies or issue press statements which can create tension and public unrest for some time.
Although the situation in the Kangpokpi area of NH-2 has changed, Meiteis still don’t feel secure enough and they are still apprehensive while travelling through Kangpokpi.
On the other hand, there are reports that people from Churachandpur and Kangpokpi have started coming to or passing through Imphal. But these reports could not be verified independently.    
Notably, Meiteis have stopped checking movement of Kukis toward Imphal or through the valley areas a long time back.  
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has also announced that the Government will take responsibility for the safety and security of Kuki and Zo communities coming to Imphal for medical treatment.