Manipur Government takes steps to restore transport links amid ongoing ethnic tensions
Jul 04, 2025
In a concerted effort to restore normalcy in the conflict-affected regions of Manipur, the state government has initiated steps to ensure the smooth movement of transport vehicles across districts. The move comes amid continued ethnic tensions following the outbreak of violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities in May 2023.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired a series of high-level meetings at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday to review the state's administrative and developmental progress. Administrative Secretaries from various departments presented updates on key projects and sectoral initiatives aimed at stabilizing the region and improving public services.
During the meeting, the Transport Secretary provided a comprehensive overview of measures being taken to enhance road safety and ensure uninterrupted vehicular movement across Manipur. He also highlighted the poor condition of infrastructure at several District Transport Offices (DTOs) and recommended necessary upgrades to improve their operational efficiency.
One of the significant updates included the ongoing construction of helipads in multiple districts. These facilities are expected to enhance air connectivity, especially in remote and conflict-prone areas where road transport remains uncertain.
The security situation has had a major impact on transport, particularly on two key national highways — NH-2 (Imphal to Dimapur) and NH-37 (Imphal to Jiribam). These routes are crucial for bringing essential supplies into the state. However, Kuki tribal groups have expressed strong objections to the unregulated movement of vehicles through their areas, citing security concerns and the need for better oversight.