Naga body halts trucks on Manipur border

Two days after a Nagaland students' organisation allowed traffic on an arterial highway, trucks carrying essential goods were still stuck at the Manipur border as a students' body in Manipur refused to lift the two-month-long economic blockade of the state. HT reports.

Two days after a Nagaland students' organisation allowed traffic on an arterial highway, trucks carrying essential goods were still stuck at the Manipur border as a students' body in Manipur refused to lift the two-month-long economic blockade of the state.

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The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) had temporarily lifted the blockade on Monday, following requests from the Union government. But the All Naga Students' Association of Manipur stuck to its demand and refused to follow the NSF in lifting the blockade from the Naga-inhabited hills of Manipur.

The Centre, however, said it was committed to lifting the blockade along National Highway-39, the economic lifeline of Manipur.

The Centre has also decided to deploy additional forces along the highway to escort trucks into the state.

"The first convoy of goods for Manipur, as informed by the state government, is expected to move to Imphal on Saturday," the Union home ministry said in a statement after home secretary GK Pillai held a meeting with chief secretaries of Nagaland and Manipur.

The two-month blockade of main roads has led to a severe shortage of food, fuel and medical supplies and sent prices soaring in Manipur.

"We are trying to use the good offices of the Naga Students Federation and others to persuade the All Naga Students Association of Manipur to withdraw the blockade," Nagaland's additional chief secretary A Jamir said.

Manipur-based transporters have declined to ply on NH-39 until the Centre compensates them for their losses.