Imphal: Prominent Naga civil organisations in Manipur’s Senapati district on August 8, 2026, announced an immediate restriction on the movement of Kuki individuals within the district.
The local travel restriction comes amid state initiatives led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to restore normal transit and resume bus services along Manipur’s national highways.
The decision was taken during an emergency consultative session held on Saturday at the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) conference hall in Senapati.
The organisations that signed the resolution included the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Tribe Hoho, Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA) and Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA).
The meeting was convened in connection with an August 4 confrontation at the Gamgiphai Gate. According to a joint statement issued by the organisations, representatives of the NPO, SDWA, SDSA and an oversight supervisory committee were prevented from passing through the area by Kuki volunteers despite identifying themselves and stating the purpose of their travel.
The organisations described the denial of passage as a concern for their collective safety and integrity. They subsequently declared that the restriction on the movement of Kuki individuals within Senapati district would take immediate effect and remain in force until further notice.
The restriction comes as the state government continues efforts to restore normal movement across Manipur. On August 8, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen, visited the Kangpokpi district headquarters.
During the visit, the political leadership announced plans for the immediate lifting of blockades affecting major routes, the resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur passenger bus service and arrangements to facilitate the movement of people from all communities along key routes, including National Highway-2 and National Highway-37.
Since the outbreak of ethnic conflict in Manipur on May 3, 2023, key road corridors have remained affected by community checkpoints, localised restrictions and counter-blockades.
State authorities and security forces have deployed escorted vehicle convoys at various stages to facilitate movement along the routes.
However, the latest directive by Naga organisations in Senapati reflects the challenges facing efforts to restore unrestricted inter-district movement.
The continuing restrictions have affected commercial mobility and movement between districts, adding to the difficulties in restoring normal transit across the state.