Manipuris welcome suspension of economic blockade

IMPHAL - People in Manipur welcomed the suspension of a two-month-long economic blockade of the highway on Tuesday that had caused severe food and fuel shortages in the State.

The Naga Students Federation (NSF), one of the main groups behind the economic blockade, announced its blockade’s suspension after holding a meet with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on Monday.

The blockade was temporarily suspended from 6 p.m. onwards on Tuesday (June 15).

Heavy traffic started moving on the roads.

The delighted people were noticed rushing to buy things of daily usage, which they could not all these days due to shortage of articles in the market.

“I am happy that the blockade has been lifted. The blockade was executed for a long time but at last it is ending, even if it has taken time,” said Suresh Singh, a businessman.

Some people said that the Central government’s intervention could have come earlier.

Though, embargo has been lifted on the National Highway-39 but uncertainty looms whether goods would be ferried.

The transport unions have asked the government to stop the illegal levy imposed by several militant outfits.

“It is good to hear that they have lifted the economic blockade but at the same time they should think about drivers as well. They are suffering a lot. Not only the government but also truck drivers are also suffering a lot,”said Anuradha, a local resident.

Tribal groups from Nagaland blocked supplies to Manipur for preventing their National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) leader Thuingaleng Muivah from visiting his birthplace.

The 60-day blockade dried up supplies of many things in Manipur. (ANI)