NH-02 remains open, says Kuki-Zo Council, stressing highway security is Centre’s responsibility, not locals’, and welcoming MHA’s SoO extension.
BY PC Bureau
September 4, 2025: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on Thursday issued a clarification regarding its recent statement following delegation-level talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi. The statement addresses what it described as “misinterpretations” in certain media reports about the status of the Imphal–Dimapur National Highway (NH-02).
In its clarification, the KZC reiterated that NH-02 has never been closed or blocked, and has consistently remained open for commuters and the transportation of essential goods. “The question of ‘reopening’ does not arise,” the council emphasized, countering reports that suggested otherwise.
The council explained that its appeal was limited to the stretch of NH-02 passing through Kangpokpi district, where it urged local residents to extend cooperation to central security forces deployed to ensure highway safety. KZC stressed that the appeal must not be misinterpreted as an endorsement of unrestricted movement across buffer zones separating Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas. “The sanctity of the buffer zones will continue to be strictly respected and maintained,” it stated.
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KZC further clarified that securing highways was the responsibility of the Government of India and its security agencies, not the local public. “It is neither the duty of Kangpokpi residents nor of KZC to guarantee foolproof security for national highway users. The MHA has assured that adequate central forces will be deployed,” the statement said.
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The council appealed to the media and the public to refrain from spreading misinformation on such a sensitive issue, and urged all sections of society to support its efforts in the interest of the community.
Welcoming the MHA’s decision to extend the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF), KZC expressed hope that the government would soon resume political dialogue for a Separate Administration under the Indian Constitution. “Only such an arrangement can bring lasting peace and prosperity to the Kuki-Zo people,” it added.
