Manipur minister Yumkham Erabot on Saturdayday defied the indefinite economic blockade by Naga students on the National Highway 53 by escorting 290 trucks and tankers loaded with essential supplies to Imphal.
Erabot, the consumer affairs and food and public distribution minister, told newsmen at Koteln, about 25 km from Imphal, that members of All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) had tried to block the highway with stones at Noney, 45 km from Imphal.
The passage of the convoy carrying cooking gas, petrol and other essential supplies was facilitated by central security forces, including BSF and CRPF, and police, official sources said.
Erabot was given a rousing reception and garlanded at Khumbong, Yurembam, Patsoi, Sagolband and Morang Hanuba right up to capital complex. The people shouted slogans 'Erabot, hero of Manipur,' and 'You are great'.
Official sources said the government would use both NH 53 and NH 150 from Silchar in Assam via Aizawl, Mizoram's capital, for bringing in essential items.
ANSAM had launched the blockade along Dimapur-Imphal-National Highway 39 and Jiribam-Imphal NH 53 since April 11.
{{/usCountry}}ANSAM had launched the blockade along Dimapur-Imphal-National Highway 39 and Jiribam-Imphal NH 53 since April 11.
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