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In a significant moment for conflict-scarred Manipur, passenger buses and smaller vehicles departed state capital Imphal on Friday morning for Guwahati in Assam via Dimapur in Nagaland, restoring a key inter-state road link that had remained closed for more than three years. Two buses and five Wingers carrying 125 passengers travelled along National Highway 2, Manipur’s preferred surface lifeline to the outside world. Under multi-force security cover, the convoy passed safely through the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi and Naga-majority Senapati districts before entering Nagaland and continuing to Assam.
The roughly 500-kilometre journey was once routine. However, it had become nearly impossible for ordinary civilians after ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023 between the Meitei community of the Imphal Valley and the tribal KukiZo communities of the hills. A government spokesperson called the resumption “an important step towards restoring normal life and strengthening connectivity”, noting widespread public appreciation for the restored link. For many Manipuris, the service had long been the most affordable way to reach Guwahati for studies, medical treatment, business or family visits. Its suspension, along with repeated blockades, forced people to depend on costly flights or insecure alternatives.
The situation deepened the isolation of the landlocked state, already fractured by violence that has claimed over 200 lives and left tens of thousands displaced. More than 40,000 people are still living in relief camps or temporary shelters. The restart followed a clear political signal. On August 8, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who took office in February after a year of President’s Rule, visited Kangpokpi with Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA, Haokholet Kipgen. There, he announced the reopening of national highway for free movement of all communities and the imminent return of the Imphal Dimapur Guwahati bus service. Passengers who completed the journey spoke of relief.
One traveller who reached Guwahati, speaking exclusively to Read, described the experience as transformative. “This is a wonderful journey. For the first time, we have travelled peacefully by road from Imphal to Guwahati. This is my first such journey, and I would like to thank the Manipur government and its leader, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, for arranging the reopening of the road for surface transport. We welcome his efforts over the last six months towards bringing peace of mind and restoring normalcy,” the passenger said. Asked about social media warnings of trouble, the traveller said: “No problems at all; in fact, we felt very proud. As we travelled through the Kuki areas, particularly Kangpokpi, we did not face any hostility. No one looked at us with hostility.
People were simply engaged in their own activities in the markets and their respective areas. Our vehicle and bus passed through smoothly.” Another passenger, Lennon Haokip, who also travelled from Imphal to Guwahati, spoke exclusively to Read and expressed similar hope. “It feels very good because, over the past three years, there has been ongoing conflict between us, like brothers fighting among themselves. Now, people are gradually beginning to understand each other. The initiative taken by Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to open these routes and make efforts to restore friendship and love between the Kuki and Meitei communities is truly commendable. Everyone is happy about it, and I believe that, going forward, we will come together again,” Haokip said.
He also highlighted the practical impact of the restored road service. “This is going to help immensely, both now and in the future. People have been facing significant difficulties due to skyrocketing airfares, and road transportation was inaccessible until now. However, the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister held talks, and since yesterday, signs of peace, brotherhood, and harmony have clearly begun to emerge.” Speaking about the journey, Haokip added: “Initially, I thought there might be some issues, but when we reached Kangpokpi, everyone welcomed us warmly and happily. We did not face any problems at all.” He added: “Let us move past what has happened. What is the point of dwelling on it? People will naturally remember the pain, as many people from both communities have lost their loved ones. But let us put it behind us. Just as we did before, when we all lived together in harmony and love, we will stand strongly united in the end.”