Manipur economic blockade enters 70th day, no sign of end

New Delhi, Oct 10: The economic blockade on the highways linking Manipur entered the 70th day today with no sign of end despite the Centre sending security forces to ensure smooth supply of essential commodities to the north eastern state. Home Ministry officials have expressed concern over the long blockade which is affecting normal life in Manipur, where prices of all goods have shot up to an unprecedented level.

"The Home Ministry is making every effort to see that people of Manipur are not inconvenienced. We have provided Central security forces so that supply line through alternative Jiribam-Imphal road is open," an official said here.

The Centre is awaiting the report of the committee constituted by the Manipur government to look into the demands of the agitators who are blocking National Highway 53 and 39. Sources said the Centre is unlikely to take any drastic move to remove the blockade in Manipur as it is ruled by a Congress government and Assembly elections there are due early next year.

Home Minister P Chidambaram had said last week that Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has constituted a district reorganisation commission to look into the demands of the agitating groups. "The chief minister has requested them to be patient till the report of the commission comes. My appeal to both the groups is to wait for the report and withdraw the blockade," he had said.

PTI