130-Day Naga Economic Blockade In Manipur To Be Lifted Tonight

In what may come as a respite for the residents here, indefinite economic blockade will be lifted from today midnight. Lifting of indefinite economic blockade was resolved in a tripartite talk, involving United Naga Council (UNC), the United Naga Council and the Manipur Goverment in Manipur’s Senapati.

Another round of tripartite talks involving the State Government, the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Central Government was held today at the Senapati Deputy Commissioner office here.

Since November 1, 2016, Manipur was facing an economic blockade spearheaded by the UNC. The UNC has been of the view that the areas of Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel in Manipur are Naga-majority hill districts, and opposed the creation of seven new districts in the state. In protest, it announced an economic blockade of Manipur on grounds that the new districts encroach on the ancestral land of the Nagas and all it has done is to weaken their vote in upcoming state assembly elections.

The UNC had blocked National Highway 2 and 37 and had stopped all trucks from carrying supplies into Imphal. It had also blocked the Trans-Asian Highway. The blockade had resulted in inflation in prices and shortages of food, fuel, medicines, gas and other essential supplies. Mobile internet has been suspended. The police presence had been increased and 4000 personnel of central paramilitary forces had been deployed by the Government of India.

Incidents of assault of members of Naga and Meitei tribes in their minority areas have also been reported. Policemen have also been assaulted at some places and some government offices have also been burnt down. Two rounds of meeting were already held regarding suspension or lifting of the economic blockade but without any success.

With inputs from ANI.