Relief After Five Months: No More Blockade In Manipur 

The five-month-long economic blockade in Manipur was lifted yesterday after successful talks between the centre, the state government and the Naga groups.

The United Naga Council (UNC) called for an indefinite economic blockade on 1 November 2016 to protest against the creation of seven new districts by the former Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress government in Manipur.

Manipur is a state inhabited by many ethnic communities, prominent among them are the Meities (residing in the Valley) and Nagas (mostly in the hill districts). Nagas complained that the creation of new districts is a conspiracy by the state government, led by Okram Ibobi Singh, who is a Meitie to divide the Nagas under the guise of new district creation.

The blockade on National Highways 2 and 37, had cut-off movement of trucks that pass through Naga villages. Due to the blockade, goods-carrying vehicles were unable to enter state’s Imphal Valley, resulting in extreme crisis of essential commodities, including fuel and medicines.

An agreement statement released, stated: "The grievances of the UNC which led to the imposition of economic blockade by them was recognised as there was non-adherence to the four MoUs and the Centre's assurance on the matter."

It added, "As the MoUs said that creation of new districts would not be done without consulting the stakeholders, the state government agreed to start consultation with all stakeholders to redress the same."

The move comes as a huge relief to the people of Manipur who had to pay almost double the price for essential commodities during this period.