Indefinite blockade in Manipur over 'Kuki State' demand

IMPHAL: Indefinite blockade in Kuki-inhabited areas including two national highways in Manipur continued for the second day today by a local committee members to press for creation of a separate 'Kuki State'.

Transport services between Manipur and neighbouring states and within the state particularly in Kuki-settled areas were cancelled due to the blockade launched by Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) from 5 pm yesterday, official reports said.

Vehicles also did not ply on two national highways -- Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati and Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar -- due to the blockade, the report said.

KSDC sources said they would continue the blockade till their demand was met.

Official sources said the government was aware of the demand but it would not be possible to carve out 22,329 sqkm to form a small state for a partucular ethnic community.