Imphal, Manipur, December 4 (HBTV): The Manipur government has reopened four routes for traffic movement: the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route, Senapati-Kangpokpi-Imphal route, Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur route, and the Churachandpur-Bishnupur-Imphal route.
The inter-district traffic, disrupted by prolonged ethnic violence in the state, is set to resume from December 4, as per an official order.
The decision follows a review of the state's general law and order situation. The availability of security forces, an improved response system, and inputs from various agencies were cited as factors behind the move, the order stated.
However, it remains uncertain how freely people can travel to the violence-affected districts, particularly Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. Since the ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, Meitei individuals in Kuki-dominated hill districts have moved to safer areas in the valley, while Kukis in Meitei-dominated valley districts have relocated to hill areas.
The ethnic unrest has displaced approximately 60,000 people, and inter-district travel between Meitei and Kuki areas has been nonexistent. People from other communities, such as the Naga and Pangal, have continued traveling between districts.
The Manipur government’s decision aims to restore peace and normalcy in the state. However, safety concerns persist, as incidents of abductions and missing persons remain fresh in people's minds. For now, the public appears cautious about venturing into sensitive areas.