UNC intensifies economic blockade on Manipur NHs

IMPHAL, Sep 10: Shortage of essential commodities Manipur is currently facing is likely to deepen with the United Naga Council (UNC) enforced economic blockade affecting normal movement of goods-laden trucks on the national highways, the key supply routes for the land-locked state.
The state has been facing short supply of essential commodities in the past few months following uncertainty along the national highways, particularly on NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam section) which is currently using a key route for transportation of the essential goods.
Earlier, bad road conditions and prolonged travel time were the primary reasons for the shortage of the essential goods in the state.
Now, another challenge has surfaced after the UNC intensified its ongoing economic blockade starting from 1 am on September 9.
Earlier, the economic blockade imposed by the apex body of Naga tribes in Manipur was particularly imposed on the NH-2 (Imphal–Dimapur section).
The UNC has now intensified the ongoing inter-district economic blockade, extending it indefinitely to major national highways, including NH-37 among others with effect from 1 am on Wednesday.
The UNC has also decided to extend the blockade along NH-202 (Imphal-Jessami-Kohima section, and NH-102A (Tadubi–Ukhrul section) above NH-2 (Imphal-Mao-Dimapur)
Following the announcement, normal movement of goods-laden trucks along the NH-37 was disturbed with several vehicles reportedly stranded mid-day.
Reports said that several Imphal-bound loaded vehicles coming from Jiribam side were stranded beyond Noney district where the blockade was being allegedly imposed by the stir supporters.
The UNC has been imposing an indefinite inter-district economic blockade in Naga areas of the state since June seeking justice and accountability for the six Naga hostages butchered by the Kuki armed groups in Kangpokpi district.
The mutilated mortal remains of the six hostages, to mention here, were discovered on June 10 nearly a month since they were abducted on May 13 last.
“All goods laden vehicles will not be allowed to ply,” the UNC stated in the statement that announced the intensification of the stir on September 8.
The apex body, however, stated that vehicles carrying essential emergency services, including medical supplies, media, power, telecommunications and water supply will be exempted from the purview of the blockade.
The council described the blockade as a “collective expression” of its grievances and a demand for justice and accountability over the deaths of six Naga civilians on May 13.
Notably, the escalation of the blockade on the highways came days after the Manipur government warned against highway blockades and obstructions.
Last week, the government warned that individuals, organizations and groups involved in unlawful road blockades or activities disrupting public movement would face prosecution without further notice.