Inter-state public transport services between Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam along the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati corridor via National Highway-2 (NH-2) continued without major disruption for the third consecutive day on Monday, 24 August, according to officials of the Manipur Transport Department. The resumed service — operational again after a gap of more than three years — marks a significant, if tentative, step toward normalcy in a state still recovering from ethnic conflict.

Day Three: Movement and a Brief Delay

More than 250 passengers, including women and children, departed Imphal for Dimapur and Guwahati aboard a fleet of five buses and seven Winger vehicles under what officials described as foolproof security cover. The departure was briefly delayed following reports of an incident at Taphou village in Senapati District, where a dispute arose between two communities along NH-2. Timely intervention by the district administration and local public support prevented any escalation, and the convoy departed for Dimapur and Guwahati on Monday afternoon. Both communities involved have since agreed to maintain peace in the area.

Security Arrangements Along NH-2

Adequate security personnel and Road Opening Parties (ROP) of the security forces have been deployed along vulnerable stretches of the highway to ensure the safe passage of vehicles. Officials reiterated that the government remains committed to safeguarding civilians and preserving peace and harmony across the state. The inbound journey was equally smooth: around 100 passengers who had begun their trip from Guwahati on Sunday arrived safely at the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Khuman Lampak in Imphal on Monday afternoon, with no untoward incidents reported along the route.

Passengers Welcome the Resumption

Ngangbam Biren of Thoubal District, travelling from Guwahati, said the entire journey was pleasant and peaceful, adding that travelling after more than three years would remain a memorable experience. Okram Sunil Kumar Singh of Wangjing, Thoubal District, described the NH-2 corridor as safe for all communities and urged others to use the inter-state transport service. He also expressed gratitude to both Naga and Kuki communities residing along the highway for their cooperation and for allowing vehicles smooth passage.

Background: Three Years of Disruption

The service was formally relaunched on 8 August in Kangpokpi district, when Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, and local MLA Haokholet Kipgen jointly announced the reopening of national highways for free movement of people from all communities. NH-2 and the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) are the two lifelines connecting Manipur to the rest of the country. Since the outbreak of ethnic violence on 3 May 2023, movement along NH-2 had remained severely disrupted due to law-and-order issues and frequent blockades, hampering both passenger travel and the supply of essential commodities to the landlocked state.

What Comes Next

The high passenger turnout on each of the three operational days is being read by officials as a signal of public trust in the government's peace initiatives. Whether the service can sustain this momentum will depend on the fragile community agreements holding along the highway — particularly through sensitive stretches such as Senapati District. The situation at Taphou village serves as a reminder that the road to full normalcy on NH-2 remains work in progress.