Manipur putting up a brave front against the Naga imposed road blockade

Imphal, Nov 26: Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh expressed hope regarding the future of Manipur politics while dealing with United Naga Council President Gaidon Kamei and Information Secretary S. Stephen, who were arrested by police on Friday.

 
"Legal process will provide all parties with justice and we will make sure that they pay for the harassment they have put Manipuris through, we will try to not let them get released from jail unconditionally," Ibobi remarked while talking about the arrests of the Naga leaders. 
 
The UNC on November 1 imposed an indefinite economic blockade to protest against the government's move to create two new districts.Ibobi said efforts were on to arrest the other absconding members of the UNC who have been charged with imposing the blockade.
 
 he UNC and other Naga groups have called for a 24 hour "total shutdown" from Friday evening demanding the unconditional release of the two leaders.
 
 Naga leaders expressed their anger against the arrest of the Naga leaders in Manipur and stated that the protest against the proposed two new districts of Sadar hills is a political issue. On the other hand, Manipur has been reeling with the shortage of all items including fuel, since November 1.Petrol brought by a few tankers is rationed and a liter is sold at Rs 300 in the black market.
 

According to officials, charges are being framed against the two UNC leaders in the light of the Supreme Court's directives regarding the blockades.The Manipur High Court on Friday took a view of the blockade and directed the government to ensure the movement of vehicles along the two highways.
 
Ibobi said the condition of the NH 37 which skirts Nagaland, will be improved before the onset of the rainy season. In the past Naga groups had imposed blockades against Manipur, making it impossible to transport anything along the NH 2 which passes through Nagaland.
 
Talking about the current blockade, Ibobi said that "On Friday nearly 400 trucks and oil tankers brought various items from Assam to Manipur, and the situation will soon be normalised."
 
In accordance with the high court order, Chief Secretary Oinam Nabakishore and Director General of Police (DGP) L. M. Khoute have been making arrangements to ensure the movement of the vehicles. Officials fear the UNC and the All Naga Students' Association Manipur may intensify their agitation.