In a major development, the United Naga Council (UNC) in Manipur on Sunday decided to lift the economic blockade of National Highways 2 and 53 from Sunday midnight. The development came after the BJP Government in Manipur held a tripartite talks with the UNC and Central Government representatives at Senapati district and gave the assurance that it would start consultation with all stakeholders to redress the grievances of the UNC.
“The talks at Senapati were successful today. The Government has assured release of our president Gaidon Kamei and publicity secretary S Stephen and promised to drop all cases registered against them,” UNC general secretary Milan Shimrey told The Pioneer.
The development assumes significance as the BJP-led Government in Manipur broke the impasse with the UNC just days after it assumed charge. The economic blockade of the two NHs had been one of the main poll agendas of the BJP in Manipur and Chief Minister N Biren Singh had assured that his priority was to lift the blockade.
On Friday, the Government held its first Cabinet meeting and decided to take steps to lift the blockade and called the UNC for talks on Sunday afternoon.
The indefinite blockade had led to acute shortage of all essential commodities, including fuel, in the State.
Hardly 300 trucks could lift essential commodities twice a week, which was like the proverbial drop in the ocean. Apart from imposing economic blockade, the UNC has also banned national projects in Naga-dominated areas and demanded revocation of the order issued by the previous State Government for creation of nine districts.