The indefinite economic blockade of lifeline routes NH 39 (Imphal-Dimapur) and 53 (Imphal-Silchar) in Manipur by agitating Naga groups entered the 55th day on Sunday as prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed with hundreds of trucks remaining stranded. The All Naga Students’ Association launched the blockade on April 12 to protest against holding of elections to six autonomous district councils in the Hills which, it alleged, were given not enough power to carry out development works. The charge was, however, denied by the state government. Due to the blockade, which was intensified after the state refused entry to NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah on May 3, regular supply of essential commodities have been stopped, causing the prices to shoot up. A litre of petrol now costs between Rs 120 and Rs 150, onion Rs 28 and rice Rs 26 per kg. But despite the exorbitant prices, many essential commodities were not simply available, official sources said. Before the blockade, between 300 to 400 trucks carrying the essentials were plying daily on the two national highways, the sources said. On May 12, the Manipur government had decided to bring hundreds of stranded trucks, loaded with essential items, from Silchar to Imphal via Jiribam, a distance of 212 kms, by providing security. However, the authorities in spite of the cabinet decision used NH 150 from Silchar to Imphal via Aizawl, a distance of 512 kms. Sources said very few trucks could be brought along this route because of the difficult terrain.
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