Imphal: The United Naga Council on Saturday suspended its nearly four-month-long economic blockade on Manipur’s national highways with effect from 6 PM, September 26. The decision came after tripartite talks between the UNC, Manipur government and Government of India in Guwahati. The meeting was held at BSF Frontier HQ Officers’ Mess, Garbhanga, convened by Manipur Home Department.
The UNC had imposed the blockade on NH-2 and NH-37 since June to press for its demands regarding free movement and protection of Naga areas. The blockade had severely hit supply of essentials, medicines, fuel and construction materials to Manipur, leading to price rise and hardship for common people. Hundreds of trucks and tankers remained stranded for days.
After the meeting, the UNC issued a statement thanking all stakeholders, Naga tribes, frontal organisations, student bodies and general public for extending support during the agitation. It said the blockade was being suspended in view of positive assurances given by the Government of India and Government of Manipur on its charter of demands.
According to joint press note, the government assured that concerns of Naga community regarding security and development of hill districts would be addressed on priority. A committee will be set up to look into grievances raised by UNC. The government also assured to ensure free and safe movement along highways.
Reacting to the development, Manipur Chief Minister Khemchand Singh welcomed the move and said bandhs and blockades cost the state Rs 25-30 crore daily in economic loss. He thanked Ministry of Home Affairs and BSF for facilitating the talks and appealed to all communities to resolve issues through dialogue.
Traders, transporters and civil society organisations have welcomed the suspension. The Manipur Chamber of Commerce said prices of essentials which had skyrocketed will now come down. Security has been tightened along NH-2 and NH-37 to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and police will provide escort to essential trucks for next few days.
The UNC, however, warned that if its demands are not fulfilled within a stipulated time, it will be forced to resume agitation and has given a three-month window to the government. With the lifting of the blockade, normal supply of fuel, LPG, medicines and food items is expected to resume in Manipur within the next 24-48 hours.
