No respite for Manipur, ANSAM continues blockade of highways
The ANSAM, along with other Naga frontal organisations of Manipur, had started an indefinite economic blockade of NH-39 on April 12 to protest against holding of ADC polls under the present ADC Act and demanded abrogation of the polls by the Manipur government.
Despite the Naga Students' Federation lifting its economic blockade of a key national highway here, trucks were unable to reach Manipur today as the All Naga Manipur Students' Association (ANSAM) remained stuck to its demand in the neighbouring state.
The ANSAM last night announced that it would continue with its ongoing economic blockade on National Highways 39 and 53 till the Manipur government redressed its grievances -- mainly, the conduct of the recently held Autonomous District Council (ADC) polls.
"We have no other option but to continue the on-going blockade much against our interests (sic) until the state government of Manipur comes to understand the issue rationally," the ANSAM's publicity wing said in a statement.
The latest stance would bring no respite for Manipur which is suffering from a severe shortage of essential commodities as its supply line is choked by the two-month-old blockade.
Vehicles were unable to reach Imphal from Nagaland, the police said, adding trucks were also not plying on the National Highway 53 (Silchar-Imphal) from the Assam side.
Four to five stranded goods-laden trucks, which left Dimapur last evening for Manipur following lifting of the blockade, had to park on the highway inside Nagaland, the officials said.
The ANSAM, along with other Naga frontal organisations of Manipur, had started an indefinite economic blockade of NH-39 on April 12 to protest against holding of ADC polls under the present ADC Act and demanded abrogation of the polls by the Manipur government.
Taking strong exception to arrest warrants issued against the presidents of ANSAM and the United Naga Council (UNC), the students body said no positive response was received from the Manipur government till date even as the Nagas had given five days to revoke the "wanted tag" which expired on June 13.
The ANSAM also demanded withdrawal of Section 144 of CrPC and replacement of Manipur armed police personnel with central paramilitary forces from Naga areas of the state to create a congenial atmosphere.
The Union Home Ministry has called for a meeting of chief secretaries of Nagaland and Manipur in New Delhi to chalk out measures for ensuring an uninterrupted supply of essentials to the state.
Additional chief secretaries Alemtemshi Jamir and Toshi Aier would represent Nagaland in the meeting since they are already in Delhi, officials said.
A government release said two consignments of life- saving drugs reached Imphal on May 18 and another weighing 4 MT was airlifted by an IAF aircraft today.
Transportation of essential commodities via NH-53, escorted by state police has also started since May 21, it stated.
Essential commodities are also being transported through NH-150 with the assistance of the Mizoram government, the release added
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