Central forces arrives in Imphal to clear economic blockade

IMPHAL - The Central security forces arrived here on Friday to clear the economical blockade being observed by a section of Naga students groups.

Earlier in the week, leader of Naga students groups called on Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and assured him to withdraw economic blockade. However, a section of groups still continuing economical blockade.

The people of Manipur still facing the heat of economic blockade as parts of the National Highway 39 is still blocked.

Earlier, the Union Home Ministry has directed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to deploy six battalions including a women battalion to clear the blockade.

“The Government of India has decided to induct some additional forces to the state with a view to tackle the ongoing law and order situation in the state, which the state is currently facing from the last two months or so,” said CRPF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Madan Singh Raghava.

On Thursday, one CRPF women company was air lifted to Imphal.

The Naga student groups had blocked supplies to Manipur, in retaliation to preventing the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) leader Thuingaleng Muivah from visiting his birthplace in that state.

Manipuris oppose Muivah’s attempts to visit his village as undermining their territorial integrity.

The Naga Students Federation said it had suspended the blockade after Prime Minister Singh agreed to look into Naga grievances.

The 60-day blockade has dried up supplies in the state and a litre of gasoline is selling for almost double the normal rate while food prices have soared and medicines are scarce. (ANI)