Economic blockade eased for six days in Imphal

Imphal, Nov 15 (UNI) A hundred trucks left Imphal today following the easing of the economic blockade, organised by the Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA), for six days on NH-39.

The trucks stranded at the Manipur Nagaland border areas also reached Imphal safely.

The decision to lift the blockade temporarily was taken by the SDSA following an appeal made by Works Minister K Ranjit to the students' body, saying the blockade caused tremendous sufferings to the people.

The economic blockade began on Nov 1 and it was organised in demand for the repair of the highway.

As a result, all the oil depots were closed down and petroleum products sold in the black market.

The prices of essential commodities had also skyrocketed.

'' We will call off the blockade if proper initiatives are taken up. Otherwise it will resume after six days, '' the students' body said.

Meanwhile, Mr Ranjit said the economic blockade had made it impossible to initiate the repair works, as the officials could not work freely on the highway.

According to him, some officials were abducted by suspected militants and ransoms were demanded for their release.

The minister added that some JCBs had started works on the highway .

UNI NS SB RD 1038