People stuck in a traffic jam, heading towards Moreh town, Tuesday night. (NP)
Imphal, Oct 26 : With economic strangulation due to the twin blockade of the NH-29 by the United Naga Council (UNC) and Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC), goods from Dimapur to Imphal had stopped being transported for over 85 days.
The situation in Imphal was grim and on the eve of Diwali and Ningolchakouba festivals, Imphal-based fruit and vegetable traders have been compelled to go to Namphalong market in Myanmar at the international border with Moreh of Manipur to buy necessary items meet the increasing demands.
In Manipur, Diwali, the biggest festival of light, will be celebrated Wednesday while the Ningolchakouba festival falls on October 28.
Fruit of different kinds such as orange, apple, coconut, etc. and various kinds of vegetables are indispensable items on these two festivals.
Oranges which are not locally produced are normally imported from Dimapur and owing to the road blockades, stocks have dwindled.
A fruit vendor in Imphal said till Monday, there were hopes that the blockades by the SHDDC and UNC would be lifted by Wednesday but so far there were no signs.
Besides fruits, many traders in Imphal dealing in children’s items have also gone to Namphalong to but whatever items available for sale for the festivals.
However, the quantity of fruits so far purchased from Myanmar was not enough to meet with the huge demand. The shortages have pushed prices of fruits and other items sky high.
Owing to the rush to Namphalong market, traffic along Imphal-Moreh section of NH-29 was increased sharply, posing problems for police and security agencies who are escorting vehicles against any attacks by agitators in Naga inhabited areas.
On an average, around 600 vehicles are being escorted during the past few days as against 300 vehicles normally.
Many people were also individually going to Moreh return back on the same day after shopping at Namphalong market for all kinds of goods, right from fruits to readymade garments at cheaper rates than Imphal.
Traffic congestion at Moreh town is becoming worse and making it more difficult for traffic police.
On the other hand, traders in Namphalong market are enjoying a windfall business with businessmen from Imphal.
Source: Nagaland Post
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