Imphal:, A political solution was the only way out to resolve the ongoing blockade in Manipur and any use of force would only aggravate the situation, a top Army official said on Sunday.
Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had warned of stern action against the agitators if the blockade was not called off on the two National Highways- Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati (NH 39) and Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar (NH 53), connecting the State capital.
It has been over 100 days since the blockade was imposed cutting off the State capital from the rest of the world thereby leading to soaring prices and shortage of medicines and other emergency medical equipments.
”The security scenario in Manipur is under control as the agitators are unarmed and carrying out the agitation peacefully so far,” a top Army Commander said, overseeing the Manipur security scenario, on condition of anonymity.
Having a totally different point of view from the Manipur chief minister, he added, any strong arm tactics might backfire and would create further law and order problems.
”The use of force would only vitiate the situation which at this juncture is very sensitive. The situation can be brought under control through a political solution,” the Army officer added.
The present blockade had been called by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the All Naga Students’ Association in Manipur (ANSAM) to protest Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and Manipur Government’s agreement with Kuki leaders to carve out a Sadar Hills district. (UNI)