Economic blockades are a part of the way of life in Manipur. The United Naga Council called a blockade over a month ago over the recent creation of new districts which was seen as an attempt to divide the Naga people. As a counter to the blockade, the road to Ukhrul has been blocked to prevent Manipur Nagas from leaving Imphal. Those stranded have taken shelter at Imphal’s community centres. On Saturday last week 22 vehicles headed to Ukhrul under police protection were stopped and burnt. The President of the All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur has said that the Naga community is under siege. The President of the United Council of Manipur (an apex body of Meitei organisations) claims that it is holding peace meetings to ensure that Naga students can go home. The churches in Imphal have been cautious about ensuring that Christmas services pass off peacefully.
Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju has air dashed to Manipur. His visit is a response to the state government’s accusation that the Centre was dragging its feet on resolving the impasse with the United Naga Council. Rijiju for his part accused the Congress-led state government of politicising the issue. The state government, he says, cannot escape from responsibility for the prolonged crisis. The Centre is there for the state if it needs assistance. Rijiju is determined to ensure that the blockade is lifted quickly. The Centre is sending military reinforcements and he also promised action if there were violations of the cease fire by the NSCN (IM). We hope that Rijiju and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh will act in concert to end the suffering of the people.
