Manipur-Assam-Nagaland bus service resumes after over three years

August 21, 2026

Imphal: Interstate passenger bus services connecting Manipur, Nagaland and Assam resumed on Friday after a gap of more than three years, marking an important step towards restoring normalcy and strengthening connectivity in the region.

The services on the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati route were suspended following the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur on May 3, 2023.

125 passengers travel on first day

A senior Transport Department official said the resumption of public transport formed part of the state government’s continuing efforts to restore peace and normal life in Manipur.

On Friday, a total of 125 passengers travelled on the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati route in two buses and five Wingers.

The reopening of the interstate service was widely welcomed by passengers and members of the public, particularly after prolonged disruption caused by the ethnic conflict.

One passenger, Kiyam Kumarjit Singh from Thoubal district, expressed gratitude to the state government and said the resumption of the service should help promote peace, harmony and development.

Another passenger, Nivedita from Khundrakpam village in Imphal East district, also expressed hope that the renewed connectivity would contribute to peace and normalcy in the state.

Buses cross Kangpokpi, Senapati without incident

Officials said the buses crossed Kangpokpi, a predominantly Kuki-inhabited district, and Senapati, a Naga-inhabited district, without facing any trouble.

The buses will enter Nagaland before proceeding towards Guwahati in Assam.

The development follows Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s visit to the mountainous Kangpokpi district on August 8. During the visit, Singh, along with Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and local MLA Haokholet Kipgen, announced the reopening of National Highways for the free movement of people belonging to all communities.

Kipgen and Haokholet Kipgen had also announced that the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service would resume soon as part of efforts to restore interstate bus connectivity.

Bus service seen as step towards normalcy

The resumption of the service is expected to facilitate passenger movement between Manipur, Nagaland and Assam and improve interstate connectivity.

Officials and passengers have described the development as another step towards restoring normal life and rebuilding confidence among communities after more than three years of ethnic strife.