Overview
- Inter-state passenger buses between Imphal, Dimapur and Guwahati resumed service on August 21 after more than three years of suspension following ethnic violence that began in May 2023.
- Over the first week of resumed operations more than 1,700 people traveled the route and a single-day high of 428 passengers departed Imphal in 19 vehicles, a Manipur transport department official said on August 29.
- A violent ambush in Kangpokpi district on August 27 killed four members of the Liangmai Naga community and triggered a shutdown in Senapati that briefly halted transport along the highway.
- State leaders had announced the reopening of national highways and the plan to resume bus services on August 8, and the move has drawn praise from the Union Home Minister as restoring free movement.
- NH-2 and NH-37 are described by officials as Manipur’s main lifelines for education, health and commerce so the restart eases daily hardship while regular services will depend on a sustained security improvement.