Manipur's militant outfit disrupt inter-state bus services

Imphal, Sep.20 (ANI): The outlawed People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) recently issued a threat to inter-state bus service operators not to ply along the National Highway-39 in Manipur.

On September 8, PREPAK asked bus operators to stop their services on NH-39. As a result, inter-state buses remained off the road for a week.

"Such threats by militants create inconvenience for the people. We cannot travel freely to neighbouring states and it hampers overall development," said Mangcha Vaiphei, a local resident.

The National Highway-39 is the lifeline of Manipur.

Transportation of goods has been affected on NH-39 since Naga groups imposed the economic blockade from April 17, 2010.

Transporters on this highway were facing extortion threats by Naga militant outfits and the threat by PREPAK has added to their woes.

"If they (militants) stop us from plying on NH-39, then there is no other way for people to travel. The NH-53 is in bad shape. It is not possible to travel on that highway. Passengers are facing immense problems," said N. Kunjakeshore Singh, President of the All Manipur Inter State Bus Association.

Meanwhile, the government has taken strict measures and strengthened security on the highways. (ANI)