Protesting Nagas to take down Manipur blockade

New Delhi, Jun 14: After meeting with the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, Naga Students Federation (NSF) promised to take down the 65-day long blockade that has led to a crisis like situation in Manipur.

“We met the prime minister this morning (Monday, Jun 14) and he assured us that he will look into the matter and asked us to call off the blockade. Therefore, we have decided to temporarily suspend the blockade after consultations with senior members in Kohima," Samuel, a member of the NSF told reporters.

Dr Singh, spoke to the delegation, led by NSF president Mutsikhoyo Yhobu, for over one hour. The PM reportedly urged the agitating Naga leaders to take down the blockade, which has left Manipur isolated from the rest of the world for two months.

Addressing a press conference here, the NSF member attacked the Manipur government for not trying to address the root cause of the chaos.

“The Manipur government, instead of resolving the crisis and addressing the matter, issued arrest warrants against our student leaders and human rights activists which compelled us to continue our fight," Samuel said.

“Therefore what we are demanding now - and what we have put forth to the prime minister too - is to take back those warrants and immediately withdraw the Manipur security forces from the Naga areas in Manipur," he added.

The National Highways 39 (Imphal-Dimapur) and 53 (Imphal-Silchar) passing through Nagaland and connecting Manipur were blocked by Naga groups in protest of the Manipur government's refusal to let NSCN leader T Muivah enter to state to visit his ancestoral home.

The blockade was put up on Apr 11 and the protests intensified with the State refusing entry to the NSCN (IM) general secretary on May 3.

OneIndia News