In a significant breakthrough for Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has agreed to reopen National Highway-02, restoring free movement of people and essential goods along the state’s lifeline route. The decision followed deliberations with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), coinciding with the signing of a re-negotiated tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement between the MHA, the Manipur Government, and Kuki groups KNO and UPF.

The revised one-year SoO terms reaffirm Manipur’s territorial integrity, commit to relocating and reducing armed camps, moving weapons to CRPF/BSF camps, and verifying cadres to exclude foreign nationals. A Joint Monitoring Group will ensure compliance, with violations liable to review of the pact. The reopening of NH-02 is expected to ease supply shortages and bolster peace efforts across the state.