Manipur has long been a victim of economic blockades. Recently it experienced a four month blockade which undermined the economy. It seems to be heading for another blockade. This time it is the Naga agitation for autonomy which is threatening the economy. Last month, the United Naga Council called for a 48hour month. The shutdown was complete in the Naga-dominated hill districts of the state. The UNC said that if their demands were not met, they would take stronger action. A complete economic blockade is not ruled out. Last year the long blockade was organised by Kuki groups demanding a separate Sadar Hill District. The UNC opposed it. The State government in principle agreed to the demand but assured the Nagas that no final decision would be made without consulting all the tribes. The Naga groups have been asking for an alternative arrangement since 2010. Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram had suggested a dialogue and the UPC signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the state government. The state government dragged its feet and there was no dialogue after December 2011. The UNC does not demand a separate state but wants
Naga control in governance and financial allocation in the Naga-dominated districts. The Naga-Kuki discord in Manipur is an old one and is rooted in tribal feud over land. Naga demand for a greater Nagalim has further aggravated the crisis. The present crisis can be resolved administratively and no coercion is necessary. But the warring tribes are not aware of the disastrous consequences of economic blockades. Manipur is land locked and connected to the rest of India by two highways. A blockade causes shortage of essential commodities, particularly fuel, and rise in prices. It also retards economic progress of the state for a significant period of time.
