Just two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his Manipur visit, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on Monday rescinded its September 4 agreement with the Union Home Ministry to reopen National Highway-2.

The KZC, a conglomerate of Kuki-Zo groups, said the highway would remain closed until a settlement is reached between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, whose ethnic conflict since May 2023 has kept the vital route shut.

In a statement, the council clarified that it had not declared the reopening of NH-02 and that “no free movement has been permitted on this route.” It said its earlier request was only for Kangpokpi residents to cooperate with security forces in maintaining commuter safety, as directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The KZC stressed that the “buffer zone” along the highway must be respected, warning that violations could lead to “serious consequences and further deterioration of peace and security.” It condemned attempts to misrepresent its stance, urging the Meitei public to act with responsibility.

The MHA had earlier announced that the September 4 agreement with the KZC paved the way for reopening NH-02 through Kangpokpi district for free movement of commuters and essential goods.