Guwahati, Sept. 16 -- Just two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur and emphasized the need to strengthen ties between the hills and the valley, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) pushed back against reports suggesting the reopening of National Highway 2 (Imphal-Dimapur) for unrestricted movement.

In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, the KZC denied granting permission for free passage along NH-2.

The council warned individuals from both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities not to cross the buffer zone, citing the absence of any agreement in the ongoing ethnic conflict.

The KZC emphasized the sensitivity of security along the highway and stated, 'We have not permitted any free movement.'

The council also reiterated its...