Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who took oath as Manipur Governor on December 24, met the leaders of Kuki Zo Council for the first time in the office of Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur, a Kuki-dominated district.

A Kuki civil society group has withdrawn a blockade of transport on highways in Manipur, marking a temporary pause in a week of unrest in Kangpokpi district.

An economic blockade by a tribal body was underway in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas in Manipur on Friday to protest against alleged action by security forces on women in a village in Kangpokpi district, officials said on Friday.

During the meeting, the Governor directed the state's Director General of Police (DGP) to prioritise the safety and security of the people and urged officers from the Army and paramilitary forces to extend their fullest cooperation.

Manipur Governor reviews security amid ethnic clashes, urging cooperation among forces to maintain law and order.