Date:22/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/22/stories/2008112255470700.htm

National

Economic blockade hits Manipur

Iboyaima Laithangbam

IMPHAL: Following the resumption of an economic blockade along National Highway 39, which is the lifeline of Manipur, from Wednesday midnight, over 600 goods-laden trucks were stranded in the frontier town of Mao. The blockade was imposed by the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), demanding repairs to the highway.

Following talks with Works Minister K. Ranjit, the blockade was suspended for six days on the understanding that the government would make efforts to expedite the repair works. However, an an SDSA spokesman said the government backed out of the commitment. Now there is a shortage of the consumer goods and petroleum products are not available.

Three abducted

Three drivers were abducted by militants at Kohima, demanding illegal tax. Some weeks ago three other drivers were abducted and were released only after paying Rs. 15,000 as “tax.”

Two passengers were charred to death when the tribal militants set fire to a bus along the Nagaland-Assam border, demanding “tax.”