Imphal: Public transport on National Highway 2 (NH-2) resumed on August 21, 2026, after nearly three years of suspension following ethnic clashes that began in May 2023.
A total of 125 passengers travelled in multiple vehicles under security escort.
NH-2 connects Imphal through Kangpokpi and Senapati to Nagaland and onward to Guwahati. Vehicular movement on the route resumed with strict security arrangements.
On the first day, 125 passengers travelled in two buses and five Winger vehicles. Armed security personnel escorted the vehicles through sensitive areas to ensure safe passage.
The resumption followed Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s visit to Kangpokpi district on August 8, 2026, along with Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen.
During the visit, the state government had committed to restoring movement between communities and restarting regional bus services.
Traveller Kiyam Kumarjit Singh from Thoubal district welcomed the government’s initiative and appealed to people to forgive the past and work towards rebuilding trust, love and communal harmony.
Nivedita from Khundrakpam in Imphal East also welcomed the development and prayed for continued peace in the region as transport links between the valley and hill areas resumed.