Economic blockade continues, trucks lined up near Asom

Silchar, Jun 25 (UNI) Economic blockade on the National Highway, connecting Silchar in Asom with Imphal in Manipur, entered fifth day today with hundreds of trucks lined up on the boundary.

The indefinite blockade was called by All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) and Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DSAM) since June 21.

The 260 km long NH-53, connecting Silchar with Imphal, is considered to be the ''lifeline'' of Manipur. The blockade, put up on the NH by AMSU and DSAM in Jiribam, has caused much harassment to the traders and common people.

Economy of Manipur, especially the western region, is largely dependent on the connectivity with Silchar.

The students unions have demanded upliftment of Jiribam sub-division of Manipur to district status and filling up of posts of teachers in all the government schools in Jiribam sub-division etc. AMSU and DSAM representatives said if the government do not respond, economic blockade and agitation would continue for indefinite period.

Jiribam police said the economic blockade was so far peaceful.

UNI XC JYN VD PC1853