Supreme Court urges Kuki, Meitei groups to make peace, remove blockade on highways

The Supreme Court on Friday (August 14, 2026) urged both Kuki and Meitei groups to work for peace, remove the blockades on National Highways heading to Manipur, and allow essentials to reach the northeastern State affected by ethnic violence since May 2023.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, heading a three-judge Bench, said highways act as a lifeline for ordinary people.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights seeking the removal of the blockade on National Highway 2 and restoration of supply of essential services to the State.

“Why can’t both groups realise something? That blockade of the highway does not serve either group. With the intervention of some agency, why can’t you allow the NH to open,” the CJI asked both groups represented by their respective counsel.

Impleading the National Highway Authority of India in the case, the Bench asked the parties to “think of peace now”. It has also sought a clarification from the parties on whether there were any other blocked highways to Manipur.

Senior advocate Anand Grover, for the petitioner NGO, said the situation was almost desperate with the lack of essential supplies hitting the lives of the people in Manipur.

The court, while agreeing with Mr. Grover about the dire situation, said it did not want to pass any sweeping directions which may unsettle the State again.