The Manipur government has resumed Manipur State Transport (MST) bus and helicopter services under strict security measures to ensure safe public transportation in the conflict-ridden state. The initiative, supported by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), aims to improve connectivity and restore normalcy following nearly two years of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Bus and Helicopter Services Resume
MST bus services became operational on Saturday, connecting Imphal with Kangpokpi, Senapati, Bishnupur, and Churachandpur. The buses began operating from Imphal Airport, with return services on the same routes. Additionally, helicopter services have also resumed, with flights between Imphal and Churachandpur running twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and flights between Imphal and Ukhrul operating once a week (Saturdays).
The resumption of these services is a significant step toward restoring transportation facilities, which had been severely affected by the ethnic clashes that began on May 3, 2023. Road blockades on highways have been a common tactic used by warring groups to restrict movement and the supply of essential goods.
Meitei Group Launches ‘March to Hills’ Peace Initiative
Alongside the resumption of transport services, the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organization, launched the ‘March to Hills’ on Saturday. The peace march aimed to promote unity and reconciliation and was directed toward Senapati via Kangpokpi, a Kuki-majority district.
Speaking at the flagging-off event, FOCS president Th. Manihar emphasized that their march was in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive to reopen all roads in Manipur from March 8. “If security forces cannot secure the roads, we won’t be able to trust the Centre again,” Manihar stated.
However, the march was met with resistance as protesters blocked roads and piled stones along the Dimapur–Imphal–Moreh national highway, preventing FOCS volunteers from entering Kangpokpi district.
Political Developments in Manipur
The resumption of transport services comes just weeks after the Central government imposed President’s Rule in Manipur, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Singh stepped down amid a rebellion within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Prior to his resignation, the Centre appointed former Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla as the Governor of Manipur.
Sources By Agencies
