Manipur Blockade Enters 54th Day

By Sobhapati Samom
 
Imphal, Sep 24 : The on-going economic blockade on the National Highways 39, 53 and 150 over the demand of a separate district entered 54th day today and evoked reactions from various fronts including the newly-formed coordination committee of seven major armed groups in Manipur.

Lambasting the Chief Minister Ibobi Ministry’s attitude towards the prevailing situation, the coordination committee of Kangleipak Communist Party, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak,People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Pro), Revolutionary People’s Front, United National Liberation Front and United People’s Party of Kangleipak in a Press release here expressed serious concerns over the blockade.

The BJP State unit has launched a signature campaign against the on-going blockades and government’s failure to resolve it. Manipur People’s Party staged a sit-in demonstration here on Thursday demanding steps to settle the matter.

Meitei Christian Leaders in an emergency meeting held under the aegis of Meitei Christian Foundation (MCF) and New Earth Way (NEW) today decided to urge the authorities to lift the blockade. They also urged the agitating groups to take up alternative form of agitation instead of anti-Christian activities. The meet also demanded the government to ensure the normal inflow of supplies.

The on-going blockade and price rise had hit our lives, said Amrabati T of the Conflict Widows Forum(COWF) Manipur. Most of the widows are the bread-earners of their families. The prices of all essential items have gone up with potato and onion being sold at Rs 40 and Rs 70 per kg.

Meanwhile, the Transporter and Drivers’ Council has demanded compensation for the damaged trucks. TDC’s Ibohal Singh said 29 goods carrier trucks have been torched by suspected blockade supporters besides killing one driver and injuring many.

Many civil society organisations including All Manipur United Clubs Organisation, United Committee Manipur and Kuki Movement For Human Rights have appealed the concerned authorities to lift the economic blockades in public interest.

Sadar Hills District Demand Committee has imposed the indefinite economic blockade on National Highways 39 and 53 demanding a separate district while UNC imposed a counter-blockade to register its opposition against “bifurcation” of Naga areas.