Economic blockades in Manipur, two trucks torched

IMPHAL: Vehicles carrying essential goods were stranded along the lifelines linking landlocked-Manipur due to the ongoing economic blockades, leading to spiralling of prices of essential commodities.

An indefinite economic blockade called by Jiribam District Demand Committee (JDDC) to press for the creation of a separate Jiribam district began on Wednesday.

A separate indefinite economic blockade, launched by civil society organisations (CSOs) of Sadar Hills along Trans Asian Highway No 1 in Senapati district to press for their demand for repair of the dilapidated highway, has also affected supply of essentials to Manipur.

About 100 loaded vehicles were stranded at Hengbung Taxation Check Post in Senapati district as a result of this blockade, a police officer said.

Though the blockade called by the CSOs was launched on November 17 last, the protesters intensified their agitation in the last 3-4 days.

Suspected JDDC supporters torched two loaded trucks near Leingangpokpi village along NH 37 in Tamenglong district yesterday in support of their demand, the police officer said.

The two Silcher-Imphal bound trucks which were torched by suspected agitators at about 7.30 pm were among the 600 vehicles stranded near Leingangpokpi area on NH 37, the police officer said.

Due to the economic blockades in different lifelines of Manipur, essential goods carrying vehicles could not reach the state capital since the last two days.

Long queues were visible in front of petrol refill stations with people waiting for their turns to buy petrol and diesel. Prices of vegetables have also shot up considerably, locals said.