PM To Visit Imphal, Assures Ease Of Economic Blockade

Imphal, Nov 26 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, to visit Imphal on December 3, has assured to help alleviate the current crisis in the state due to the intensified economic blockade on two National Highways.

Officials here said a state cabinet meeting was held on Thursday after receiving a confirmation letter about the PM's visit to the state from the PMO. It is speculated that the PM would be accompanied by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi during the visit.

Responding to a letter sent by former Union commerce minister Mohan Dharia, the PM said, "Let me assure you that we will work together with the state government to do everything possible to improve the situation that you describe."

Denouncing the state government's alleged bid to bifurcate Naga-dominated areas to create new districts, the United Naga Council (UNC) has been imposing economic blockade on Imphal-Silchar and Imphal-Dimapur routes since August 21. The UNC is also demanding the Centre to make an alternative administrative arrangement for the Nagas without linking the state government.

Upon learning of the turbulent situation gripping Manipur, former union minister had written to the PM on October 17, requesting him to intervene in the matter. In his reply letter sent to Dharia recently, the PM said, "Our government is reviewing the situation of essential commodities in Manipur on a daily basis."

Even as over 1000 empty trucks left Imphal to bring commodities from Assam along the Imphal-Silchar route on Thursday, under heavy security, the PM said the Centre has arranged for transport on the two highways by organizing convoys and protection for trucks carrying essential commodities into Manipur.

Meanwhile, ahead of the PM's visit, repairing and beautification works in the restive Imphal city are underway at a fast pace since the past couple of days.

The PM will land here in a special BSF flight at 10.30 am of December 3 and will inaugurate some major projects of the city convention centre, state bus terminus, assembly complex and the Imphal bench Gauhati high court building, under construction as part of the capitol project in Imphal.

Inauguration of the Imphal bench Gauhati high court building would be attended by the Supreme Court Chief Justice as well, sources said, adding the PM will also inaugurate NIT and address a public meeting at Kangla fort in the afternoon.