Imphal: Security forces on Saturday dismantled checkposts illegally mounted by local residents on the highway connecting Imphal and Churachandpur districts of Manipur, police said on Sunday.
The check posts came into existence since the beginning of the ethnic conflict, they said.
The illegal checkposts at Churachandpur district was set up by village volunteers of Kuki-Zo community on National Highway 2 in May 2023, when violence first struck the state, to prevent entry of Meiteis from Imphal and Bishnupur valley districts.
“Joint security forces dismantled volunteer check posts at Kaprang and S Kwatlian in Churachandpur District on NH-2… Security forces have taken over these locations and free movement of common vehicles is being ensured,” a police officer said.
The ethnic violence in Manipur, which began in May 2023, saw brutal clashes between the majority Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo tribal groups in the surrounding hills, resulting in over 250 deaths besides displacing thousands of people.
The Manipur police said forces have taken over the area as the security situation has improved, and will now ensure free movement of civilian vehicles.
ALSO READ: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla honours security units for exemplary service
“On February 15, joint security forces dismantled volunteer check posts at Kaprang and S Kwatlian at Churachandpur on NH-2. These posts had come into existence since the beginning of the conflict and were no longer required as the security situation has improved considerably. Security Forces have taken over these locations and free movement of common vehicles is being ensured. Law enforcement agencies remain committed to maintaining order and safety on our highways,” the Manipur police said in the statement.
