Manipur: 48-hour economic blockade cripples state

, July 10: Movement of goods along the national and state highways has been crippled in

due to an economic

, enforced by a hill-based committee in support of their demands.

A spokesman of the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) said that the economic blockade began from 5 PM last evening to press for their demand for a 'Kukiland' by re-organizing Manipur. Reports from the hill district headquarters said not a single vehicle carrying goods plied between Imphal and hill district headquarters and neighbouring states because of the economic blockade.

Official sources said efforts would be made at least to bring in essential items and petroleum products from outside Manipur, through Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati (NH 39) and Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar (NH 53), by giving security to the vehicles.

Supporters of the economic blockade placed stones and other materials on all the highways, including national highways to prevent movement of vehicles carrying goods. Various social organizations and the state government are strongly opposed to the division of Manipur.

Kukis have settled in different parts of hill districts of Ukhrul, Senapati, Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Churachandpur and Chandel in different villages, alongside Nagas of different communities.

PTI