Imphal, Aug 21: Public transport services on the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati route resumed on Friday after a gap of nearly three years as Manipur took another step towards restoring normalcy and inter-State connectivity.
Passengers welcomed the resumption of the service and expressed hope that improved connectivity would help foster peace and reconciliation in the State.
Kiyam Kumarjit Singh, a passenger from Thoubal district, thanked the State Government for restarting the service and said the journey symbolised a fresh beginning.
Another passenger, Nivedita from Khundrakpam village in Imphal East district, also expressed optimism about the restoration of the route.
The restoration of the inter-State transport link is expected to improve passenger movement and strengthen road connectivity between Manipur, Nagaland and Assam amid efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the conflict-hit State.
Imphal, Aug 21: Public transport services on the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati route resumed on Friday after a gap of nearly three years as Manipur took another step towards restoring normalcy and inter-State connectivity.
According to the State Government, a total of 125 passengers travelled on the first services comprising two buses and five Winger vehicles carrying passengers from Imphal towards Guwahati via Nagaland.
The vehicles successfully crossed Kangpokpi and Senapati districts on Friday and were scheduled to travel through Nagaland before entering Assam en route to Guwahati.
Passengers welcomed the resumption of the service and expressed hope that improved connectivity would help foster peace and reconciliation in the State.
Kiyam Kumarjit Singh, a passenger from Thoubal district, thanked the State Government for restarting the service and said the journey symbolised a fresh beginning.
“Let us all forgive and forget the past. I hope this initiative will bring love, peace and harmony among all communities,” he said.
The restoration of the route is being viewed as a significant development in reconnecting Manipur with neighbouring States and easing travel for people affected by years of disruption following the ethnic conflict that erupted in 2023.
Another passenger, Nivedita from Khundrakpam village in Imphal East district, also expressed optimism about the restoration of the route.
“I hope this journey contributes to peace in the State. I wish the government success in its efforts to restore normalcy,” she said.
The resumption of the service comes less than two weeks after Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced during a visit to Kangpokpi district on August 8 that National Highways in the State would be reopened for the free movement of people from all communities.
The announcement was made in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen, with the Chief Minister also stating that the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service would be restarted shortly.
The restoration of the inter-State transport link is expected to improve passenger movement and strengthen road connectivity between Manipur, Nagaland and Assam amid efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the conflict-hit State.
