Economic blockade may lead to 'civil war' in Manipur: Group

A major women's association in Manipur today appealed to the organisers of economic blockades on two national highways in the state to lift it immediately as it could lead to a 'civil war'.

The blockades on Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati (NH39) and Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar (NH53) should be immediately lifted as it might lead to a civil war and division among different communities in the state, chief of International Manipuri Mothers' Association (IMMA) RK Khumanleima told reporters in Imphal.

It appeared that attempts were being made to divide communities in the state, she said, adding that fulfilment of the demands might not be in the hands of the state government and the Centre should be approached.

The state has been witnessing an indefinite economic blockade on the two national highways since August 1 after Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) has launched the blockade to demand conversion of Kuki-majority Sadar Hills area in Naga-majority Senapati district into a full-fledged district.

Opposing SHDDC's demand, the United Naga Council launched economic blockades on the both highways from mid-August.