• Manipur violence: Kuki groups lift 2-month blockade on NH-2

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    Manipur violence: Kuki groups lift 2-month blockade on NH-2

    Since the unrest began in Manipur on May 3, the NH-2 has been blocked by Kuki outfits.

    Digital Desk: The United Peoples' Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO), two umbrella Kuki organisations, have taken down barriers on National Highway 2 in the Kangpokpi area of Manipur.

    The roadblock on the highway has been lifted with immediate effect, according to a joint statement from the two organisations, which, among other former militant organisations, represent those that have signed pacts with the government suspending their operations.

    The NGOs claimed that the home minister had demonstrated "deep concern to restore peace and harmony" in the state.

    However, the Kuki civil society organisation Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), which had previously announced a blockage on NH-2, has not yet formally ended the agitation.

    The NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) and NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam) are the two national highways in Manipur.

    Since the unrest began in Manipur on May 3, the NH-2 has been blocked by Kuki outfits. It was temporarily opened following Shah's visit in late May.

    According to sources familiar with the situation, the UPF, KNO, and other Kuki organisations recently met with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati and decided to withdraw the blockade as a result.