Correspondent
IMPHAL, AUG 25 (NPN): Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday appreciated both Naga and Kuki communities for ensuring free movement of public transport along NH‑2 (Imphal–Dimapur route).
Speaking at the 45th Hawkers’ Day celebration at Haying Khongbal, Imphal, Singh said the cooperation between the communities was vital for peace, normalcy, and smooth travel. He referred to Monday’s incident at Taphou village, Senapati district, where MLAs and district authorities intervened to restore free movement after violence disrupted traffic.
Public transport from Imphal to Guwahati via Dimapur faced a brief delay due to the conflict, which involved torching of houses and gunfights. A CRPF sub‑inspector sustained bullet injuries during the operation. Services resumed after a few hours and continued uninterrupted for the fourth consecutive day Tuesday.
Around 300 passengers, including women and children, travelled in five buses and nine Winger vehicles. Since resumption four days ago, about 900 passengers have left Imphal for Dimapur and Guwahati, while more than 400 passengers have safely reached Imphal.
The CM noted that the service followed his peace initiatives and the joint announcement of free movement along national highways made on August 8 at Kangpokpi. He recalled his visit to Jiribam district, where communities separated by the 2023 crisis have since reconciled under government initiatives.
Singh stressed that dialogue among communities was the key to peace and development, warning against vested interests that sought to derail reconciliation, citing the Tronglaobi incident in Bishnupur district which claimed two children’s lives. He urged all communities to safeguard the state’s integrity collectively, stating, “It is not the sole responsibility of the government to safeguard the state, but a collective effort of all the people.”