GG News Bureau
Imphal, 4th Dec. The Manipur government has announced the resumption of inter-district public transport services under tight security from Wednesday. The services will operate from the state capital, Imphal, to hill districts, marking the second attempt to resume public transport in 19 months. The decision comes after a period of relative calm in the ethnic violence that has plagued the state, involving clashes between the Meitei community from Imphal valley and the Kuki community from the hill districts.
In an official order, Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi stated that the government had reviewed the law and order situation, considering the availability of security forces and inputs from various agencies. The authorities have deployed adequate security to ensure the safe operation of public vehicles.
Starting Wednesday, public vehicles will operate from Imphal to Senapati via Kangpokpi and from Imphal to Churachandpur via Bishnupur. Senapati is a Naga-majority area, while Kangpokpi and Churachandpur are predominantly Kuki-Zo regions. Imphal and Bishnupur are Meitei-majority areas.
The movement of vehicles will be restricted to fixed hours, and passengers wishing to travel are instructed to contact the respective Deputy Commissioners’ offices. The government aims to ease the transportation difficulties faced by the public and alleviate grievances caused by the prolonged unrest.
The state government has appealed for public cooperation and warned that any individuals involved in obstructing vehicle movement would face stern legal action. Since ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023, at least 258 people have died, and thousands have been displaced. Public transport services were suspended during this period.
Previous attempts to resume transport in December 2023 were unsuccessful due to protests and road blockages by demonstrators. The government’s latest move is seen as a step towards restoring normalcy in the state, although concerns over security remain.
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