Court asks govt to make goods available during eco. blockade

Imphal, Jan 12 (UNI) The Imphal bench of Gauhati High Court has asked the state and the centre to ensure avalability of essential commodities to the people, during the ongoing economic blockade imposed by the All Tribal Students Union Manipur(ATSUM) on National Highways 39 and 53 of Manipur.

An interim order was passed by Justices B P Katakey and U B Shah yesterday in response to a PIL filed by the All Manipur Bar Association.

The ATSUM has been demanding implementation of an MoU signed with the state government to provide 50 per cent reservation in the appointment of teachers to clear all the backlog seats meant for tribals.

Meanwhile, prices of essentials continue to soar in view of the blockade.

All vehicles were stranded on Asom and Nagaland borders.

Meanwhile, the All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union has appealed to ATSUM to relax the blockade in view of the hardship faced by the drivers stranded at Nagaland and Asom and to enable them participate in the 'Drivers Day' to be observed in Imphal on January 14.

UNI