Highway blockage by Naga groups causing to shortage of fuel in Manipur

IMPHAL - The week-long economic blockade called by the United Naga Council (UNC) against the “Manipur District Council (amendment) Act, 2008″ has disrupted normal life in the hill districts.

The transportation of goods was badly affected and resulted in acute shortage of essential commodities and a rise in prices.

Passenger buses and goods-laden trucks were stranded on national highways 39 and 53.

The Naga groups in Manipur as their warning move called a two - week long economic blockade in protest against the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Amendment) Act, 2008.

In fact, the autonomous council elections in the Manipur hill districts are due for May.

After elections, more funds from the Centre are expected to pour in for the development of the hill region.

People alleged that Naga underground outfits which are against development of the region have been supporting groups like Naga Students’ Federation and Naga United Council to disrupt the election proceedings.

The two-week long economic blockade has affected normal life in the region, and there is a huge shortage of fuel and essential commodities.

At some places, petrol, which is normally sold for Rs 49 per litre, is now going for Rs 70 Rs per litre.This has created a lot of inconvenience to the people, as we are forced to stock fuel for our vehicles. This causes unnecessary delays and creates many problems. So the concerned authorities should take steps that prevent such inconveniences in the future,” said Jayanta Singh.

“With the blockade on NH-39, we have lost a lot of money. At the minimum, we have lost crores of rupees because of the weeklong economic Blockade on the National Highway-39. As it has been extended for another seven days, things are becoming worse. This greatly affects the daily wage earners as the cost of rice and other essential commodities is rising,” said N Babu Singh, a ticket salesman Naga outfits have hinted that the economic blockade on the national highways may be an indefinite one.

On April 18, authorities escorted at least 96 vehicles including inter-state passenger buses towards Imphal from Mao Gate and Nagaland on NH-53.

On NH-39, blockade supporters rained stones on around nine goods laden vehicles between Chakhamai and Makhan and damaged them.

Such acts can only worsen the situation. (ANI)