Manipur lifts counter-economic blockade on NH-202 after talks, stranded trucks start moving

The counter-economic blockade and total shutdown along National Highway 202 in Manipur have been lifted after talks between the state government and representatives of the Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul. The move comes following a closed-door meeting held at Shangkai village in Ukhrul district on Tuesday.

Talks at Shangkai village lead to reopening of the Imphal-Ukhrul route

Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas and MLA and state government spokesperson Thokchom Radheshyam chaired the meeting. They were accompanied by ruling legislators including T Robindro, Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Paonam Brojen, K Robindro and L Rameshwar Meitei.

After the discussions, the counter-economic blockade on the Imphal-Ukhrul highway was removed. The announcement followed a period when truck movement was affected after the measures were enforced from 27 July 2026 and later intensified into a total shutdown from 5 August 2026.

Over 450 trucks resume movement toward Imphal

With the blockade lifted, more than 450 NH-202 trucks that had been stranded for nearly a month began moving toward Imphal. Drivers expressed gratitude for the initiative and efforts to restore vehicle movement on NH-202.

In a statement, the Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul said the decision was linked to an agreement reached with concerned Tangkhul and Meitei groups. It also said a handwritten agreement was carried out between the WCKCSOs-Ukhrul and the Manipur government delegation, in which the government undertook responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of NH-202 and preventing any blockade or disturbance.

The committee said the counter-economic blockade and total shutdown were lifted from 4:30 PM on Tuesday. It added that normal vehicle movement would resume with effect from that time, and it urged that the agreement be implemented in letter and spirit so that communities are not subjected to selective economic restrictions.