Northeast Desk, 24th December: The Manipur government has taken the step to reopen highways for public transport, accompanied by the deployment of additional security forces along the routes. This decision allows the resumption of Manipur State Transport’s inter-district bus services, reconnecting Imphal to Senapati and Churachandpur.
However, protests from Kuki-Zo demonstrators have led to blockades on these routes, resulting in buses altering their paths. Despite the disruptions, the move has garnered appreciation from non-tribal and neutral tribal natives in the region.
In response to the reopening, the Committee on Tribal Unity and the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, advocating for separate administration, have enforced a district-wide shutdown in protest.
Concerns over security have prompted the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum in Churachandpur to seal the border between Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts. Chief Secretary Dr. Vineet Joshi emphasized that the decision aims to alleviate public hardships amid the ongoing turmoil.
While challenges persist, many local residents express hope for the normalization of the state’s social fabric.
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