Imphal: Economic blockade on the national highways of Manipur entered the 71st day on Tuesday with no solution in sight.
Prices of essential goods have reached sky high. One gas cylinder is being sold at Rs 1500 and petrol at Rs 130 per litre.
Since July 31 last there has been complete stoppage of movement of vehicles on the national highways as Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) began its strike demanding that district status be granted to Sadar Hills.
To oppose the SHDDC’s demand, the United Naga Council (UNC) imposed a counter blockade from August 21.
About fifty vehicles have been damaged by the agitators so far. To meet the demands of the people vehicles are escorted up to the border areas by security personnel and essential commodities were being brought in under heavy escorts.
Petroleum products and gas are rationed by the government and people have to wait for hours to get their share.
Meanwhile, several rounds of talks have been held between the government and the strikers. Though the Manipur People’s Party president Dr Nimaichand Luwang urged Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to intervene there was no response yet from the centre, he alleged. (UNI)
