GUWAHATI: Manipur, under President’s Rule since February 2025, continues to grapple with frequent blockades and bandhs, disrupting everyday life. In recent weeks, shutdowns have ranged from community-led highway blockades to a prolonged economic blockade along the National Highway 2 (NH-2), severely impacting the state’s routine and economy. One of the latest such blockades was the economic blockade imposed by the Kuki-Zo community, led by the Working Committee Kuki CSOs (WCKCSOs).
This followed a blockade imposed by the Foothill Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC). The Naga blockade had disrupted the Kuki-Zo lifeline routes from Kangpokpi to Lamka/ Churachandpur for over 20 days. The Kuki-Zo (WCKCSOs) lifted their blockade on 2 August after an understanding was reached between the Nagas (FNCC) and the Government of Manipur, and the FNCC blockade was lifted. In response, the WCKCSOs too withdrew their economic blockade.
The FNCC had initially imposed its blockade over concerns regarding unauthorised road construction, the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement, and illegal poppy cultivation in Foothill Naga areas. Following a meeting with the state government, assurances were made that:
1. No unauthorised roads had been sanctioned, and legal action would follow against any such illegal construction.
2. Naga concerns regarding SoO camps would be addressed in consultation with the Government of India.
3. The state would maintain a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal poppy and cannabis cultivation. The eventual consensus between the Government of Manipur and FNCC came after extensive talks in Imphal, chaired by senior officials including N. Ashok Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home). The discussions addressed FNCC’s primary concerns:
- Unauthorised Road Construction: The government reiterated that it had not approved any such projects and promised legal action against offenders after verification.
- SoO Agreement: The state pledged to safeguard Naga interests in foothill areas when reviewing the agreement with the Government of India.
- Illegal Poppy Cultivation: Authorities committed to intensifying the “War on Drugs” campaign, in collaboration with central agencies, to curb poppy and cannabis farming.
After lifting the blockade by the Kuki-Zo community, WCKCSO spokesperson Thangminlen Kipgen told the media that the decision followed “much deliberation” and credited the Governor of Manipur’s intervention for resolving the matter, albeit “a little too delayed” and at the cost of “many hardships, pain and suffering” for the Kuki-Zo population. Kipgen expressed “gratitude and thankfulness” to the United Naga Council for keeping the matter localized and extending humanitarian aid, and acknowledged the solidarity of the Kuki-Zo community, which he said was vital to the success of the economic blockade.
Before the resolution, WCKCSOs had issued a stern 36-hour ultimatum demanding an immediate end to what they called an “uncivilised and undemocratic blockade.” Kipgen had warned that the indefinite restriction, in place since July 15, had caused severe hardship by cutting off essential supplies and inflaming tensions in an already fragile region.
The organisation accused radical elements of manipulating tribal dynamics to disrupt supply lines and impose unnecessary hardships on the Kuki-Zo people. They also claimed that despite repeated appeals, both district and central authorities had failed to act. After the blockades were lifted, newly appointed Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, visited Kangpokpi district, inspecting the Ngahmun PreFabricated Relief Camp in Champhai Sub-Division and the Mandop Relief Camp in Kangpokpi SubDivision. Goel emphasised the government’s priority of ensuring the dignified and secure return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes. “The Government of Manipur is committed to a peaceful and safe rehabilitation process. Security forces are working round-theclock to create a conducive environment for the return of displaced persons,” Goel assured.
While the situation in Manipur has improved compared to the peak of conflict in 2023, old and emerging fault lines—particularly those linked to the 2003 conflict—remain. Rising tensions have recently been observed in border areas where Kuki and Meitei communities live in close proximity, raising concerns that peace could unravel if fresh disputes are not managed carefully
