Imphal, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Interstate passenger bus services connecting Manipur, Nagaland and Assam resumed on Friday after a gap of more than three years, marking a significant step towards restoring normal transport links disrupted by the ethnic violence that began in Manipur on May 3, 2023.
According to a senior Transport Department official, bus services on the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati route resumed as part of the state government’s efforts to restore peace, normalcy and interstate connectivity.
A total of 125 passengers travelled on the route on the first day, using two buses and five Wingers.
The services had remained suspended following the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribal communities in Manipur. Their resumption has been welcomed by residents, who see the restoration of the interstate link as an important step towards returning to normal life.
“It has been widely appreciated by the public, with people welcoming the restoration of this crucial inter-state link,” the official told the media.
Passenger Kiyam Kumarjit Singh, from the hilly Thoubal district, thanked the state government for the initiative and expressed hope that the renewed journey would contribute to peace and harmony among communities.
“Let us all forgive and forget the past. Let us move forward for peace and development in Manipur,” he said.
Nivedita, a passenger from Khundrakpam village in Imphal East district, also expressed hope that the service would contribute to peace and normalcy.
“May this journey bring peace in the state and God bless the government,” she said.
Officials said the buses crossed Kangpokpi, a predominantly Kuki-inhabited district, and Senapati, a Naga-inhabited district, without encountering any problems. They will proceed through Nagaland before reaching Guwahati in Assam.
The resumption follows an announcement made during Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s August 8 visit to Kangpokpi. Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and local MLA Haokholet Kipgen, the Chief Minister announced the reopening of national highways for the free movement of people from all communities.
Kipgen and Haokholet Kipgen belong to the tribal community. During the visit, they also announced that the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service would resume soon as part of efforts to restore interstate transport and improve connectivity with neighbouring states.
The restored service is expected to facilitate passenger movement between Manipur, Nagaland and Assam and contribute to rebuilding public confidence after more than three years of ethnic conflict.
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