Public transport services connecting Imphal with Dimapur and Guwahati officially resumed on Friday, ending a suspension that lasted over three years in Manipur. This significant development marks a crucial stride towards restoring normalcy and fostering peace within the ethnically volatile state.
The crucial inter-state route had remained inoperative since the eruption of widespread ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities on May 3, 2023, which severely disrupted daily life and connectivity across the state. In the aftermath, the state government had made consistent efforts to restore essential public services, viewing the resumption of transport as a key component in their strategy to de-escalate tensions and foster stability.
Reports indicated that 125 passengers embarked on the inaugural journey on Friday, utilizing two buses and five smaller 'winger' vehicles. The convoy was observed traversing through the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district, followed by the Naga-majority Senapati district, before proceeding into Nagaland. National Highway 2, linking Imphal to Dimapur, is considered Manipur's vital artery, preferred by both commuters and transporters due to its shorter distance and efficiency, in contrast to National Highway 37 which often faces disruptions and extortion issues entering from Assam’s Barak Valley.
This re-establishment of vital transport links is widely interpreted as a tangible outcome of persistent peace initiatives and a hopeful sign for thousands of residents who have endured prolonged disruption to travel and commerce. It is expected to significantly ease the movement of people and goods, thereby playing a crucial role in bolstering the state's ongoing efforts towards comprehensive recovery and reconciliation.
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