Imphal, March 7 As per the direction of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Manipur government on Friday announced to resume passenger bus service from Saturday between Imphal and several other districts.
Manipur Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh on Friday evening announced that bus services would recommence from 9 a.m. of Saturday morning in four routes connecting five districts -- Imphal, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Bishnupur and Churachandpur.
Escorted by Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) Manipur State Transport (MST) buses would run in these routes, comprising valley and hill regions, the Chief Secretary said in his announcement.
Singh said that it is also reiterated that the state government had already announced to start helicopter service operation under the Manipur Heli Service on the two routes linking Imphal, Churachandpur and Ukhrul districts.
“People may use the bus and helicopter services for conveyance in the notified routes. In case anyone is found involved in any act disturbing the movement of the MST buses, he or she shall be prosecuted under relevant laws,” the Chief Secretary stated.
In December last year, the state government tried to resume public bus services from Imphal to Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, but failed when no passengers out of fear turned up at the MST station at Moirangkhom in Imphal.
The major highways in Manipur have remained inaccessible due to ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023.
The bus services are set to resume from Saturday after the Union Home Minister during an all important review meeting in Delhi on March 1 directed the officials to ensure free movement of people on all roads in Manipur from March 8 and asked for strict action against anyone attempting to create obstructions.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Secretary, Security Advisor to the state government, Director General of Manipur police, Home Commissioner, top Army, Assam Rifles, Central Armed Police Forces and intelligence officials were present in the March 1 meeting.
During the meeting, the Home Minister had said that the Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains fully committed to restoring lasting peace in Manipur and is providing all necessary assistance in this regard.
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