Imphal: Inter-district public transport services have resumed in six districts of Manipur after a gap of approximately 19 months due to ethnic violence in the state, officials reported.
Transport operations will be conducted with security escorts in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kangpokpi, Senapati, Churachandpur, and Bishnupur districts. The Senapati district, which borders Nagaland, is primarily inhabited by the Naga community, while Imphal West, Imphal East, and Bishnupur are predominantly settled by the Meitei community. Kangpokpi and Churachandpur have significant populations from the Kuki-Zo-Hmar community.
Public transport was halted following clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities, which began on May 3 last year, due to security concerns. Nevertheless, essential goods have continued to be transported via Manipur’s crucial highways—Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) and Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2)—under heavy security to ensure the supply of vital items such as food, medicine, fuel, and construction materials.
Manipur Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi has called on the community and stakeholders to support the resumption of services and to utilize the four routes safely, warning against any violent or illegal actions that could affect transportation. He emphasized that anyone found disrupting these services would face strict legal action.
Additionally, search operations have been undertaken by state and central security forces in areas deemed vulnerable across both hill and valley districts. On Tuesday, the Manipur police arrested four militants from the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) in Kakching district and seized various arms and ammunition. These militants were reportedly involved in extortion and illegal arm possession.