India, Sept. 4 -- In a major development towards easing tensions in Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has agreed to open National Highway-02 for the free movement of commuters and essential goods, the Union home ministry (MHA) announced on Thursday.

The decision was taken after a series of meetings in New Delhi over the past few days between officials of the Union home ministry (MHA) and a delegation of KZC. The council has also assured full cooperation with the security forces deployed by the central government to maintain peace along the key highway, which serves as a lifeline for the state, the MHA said.

The development came alongside a tripartite meeting involving representatives of the MHA, the Manipur government, and leaders of t...