Manipur blockade: Essential commodity prices surge 140% as trucks remain stuck

Guwahati: Hundreds of trucks remained stranded along National Highway 202 following blockades and counter blockades by the Naga and Kuki groups which have raised the prices of essential commodities by 140% in Manipur.

The blockade has also left more than 400 trucks stranded near Litan along the Imphal-Ukhrul route for nearly three weeks. A driver said they were just surviving as it has been more than 20-25 days since they have been stranded. The truckers appealed to the state and Centre to arrange the safe passage of the 400-500 vehicles.

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"Prices of essential commodities have increased by 140% both in the valley and hills," he said. The first round of talks between the Manipur government and the United Naga Council (UNC) was "fruitful and cordial", with both sides agreeing to continue discussions on issues raised by the Naga apex body. Government spokesperson Thokchom Radheshyam described the meeting as an "ice breaker", saying further rounds of talks would be held to seek solutions to the issues.

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UNC president Ng Lorho, however, said the organisation would continue its blockade along the national highways until its four-point charter of demands was fulfilled.