Kuki-Zo council agrees to reopen NH-02 connecting Imphal with Nagaland
New Delhi, Sep 4: In a breakthrough aimed at easing tensions in Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has agreed to reopen National Highway-02 for the free movement of commuters and essential supplies. The decision followed a series of discussions in New Delhi between officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and a KZC delegation. The Council also assured full cooperation with security forces deployed by the Government of India to maintain peace along the vital route.
Parallel to this development, a tripartite meeting was convened in the capital between the MHA, the Manipur government, and representatives of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF). The talks culminated in the signing of a re-negotiated Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, which will remain in force for one year.
The revised ground rules under the new SoO reiterate the importance of preserving Manipur’s territorial integrity and pursuing a negotiated settlement to ensure lasting peace and stability in the State.
To oversee implementation, a Joint Monitoring Group will now closely track compliance with the agreement. Authorities have warned that any violations of the ground rules could invite strict action, including a review of the SoO pact.
National Highway-02, which connects Imphal with Nagaland and serves as a critical supply route for Manipur, has repeatedly been at the centre of ethnic and political tensions. The road was first shut during the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023, leading to a prolonged blockade that lasted until early 2025. More recently, the highway was closed again in August 2025 following protests by Kuki organisations, before being reopened after intervention from the Governor. Its repeated blockades have underscored the highway’s importance not only for civilian movement and trade but also for the state’s fragile peace and security. The reopening of NH-02, one of Manipur’s lifelines, is expected to bring much-needed relief to the public, who have been grappling with shortages and disrupted connectivity amid months of unrest.
