20-day Naga blockade begins in Manipur

Imphal, Aug 5: With the memory of the consequences of the previous blockade in Manipur still fresh, United Naga Council (UNC) on Wednesday, Aug 4 began 20-day economic blockade on national highways 39 and 53.

The UNC, which is spearheading the Naga integration campaign, reimposed the blockade despite the appeal from the Manipur government to desist from taking the step.

The blockade has prompted the authorities to bolster security arrangements along the Imphal-Dimapur and Imphal-Silchar roads.

Earlier, the All Naga Students" Association, Manipur (ANSAM), backed by UNC, had imposed a 68-day economic blockade on the two highways. Before the blockade ended on Jun 18, the people of the state had to face severe shortage of essential commodities.

Both UNC and ANSAM have snubbed the Home Ministry's call for talks.

OneIndia News