10-day-long economic blockade begins in Manipur

The police said loaded trucks were stranded at Mao on the borders with Nagaland and at Jiribam on the borders with Assam. However, inter-state passenger vehicles are being allowed to pass without restriction.

 

Supporters came out in various hill districts to enforce the blockade, particularly at Kangpokpi area in Senapati district, said police adding there was no report of any untoward incident from any part of the state. The blockade has been jointly called by Joint Action Committee of Churachandpur and an apex tribal body Outer Manipur Tribal’s Forum comprising United Naga Council, Zomi Council, Thadou Inpi, Hmar Inpui and Mizo People Convention.

They are protesting against the process of implementation of Inner Line Permit system in Manipur through conversion of three ILP-related bills into Acts with the assent of the President. The three bills were passed unanimously in August last year by the state assembly after a two month-long agitation to protect the indigenous people from illegal immigrants in the state, including those from neighbouring Myanmar.