Manipur: Blocked for over two months, forgotten by Govt

Imphal: It's not just Andhra Pradesh that has been hit by crisis. With an economic blockade in place, Manipur has been crippled for over two months and is virtually forgotten by the government.

It has become a living hell for the people with petrol costing Rs. 170 a litre and LPG at Rs. 2000 a cylinder.

This is a result of a protest by the Kuki tribe who are demanding a separate district but a part of that area includes what the Nagas have been demanding.
According to officials here, the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) began an indefinite road blockade agitation August 1 for upgrading Sadar Hills sub-division in the Naga-dominated Senapati district in northern Manipur into a full-fledged district.
The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of Nagas in Manipur, has also been organising intermittent protests in all Naga-inhabited areas in northern Manipur, demanding that these areas should not be carved out without their consent.

The economic blockade has led to complete shutdown of National Highways number 39 and 53, the lifeline of Manipur since August 1 with most roads lead to barricades.

The lone struggle is on for the Iron lady of Manipur, Irom Sharmila, who has been fasting for 10 years demanding the withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Manipur and other Northeastern states.

The government has appealed for lifting the economic blockade, but there is still no decision on lifting AFSPA. The act gives power to the Army to shoot and arrest on mere suspicion.
And to add to the people's woes, hospitals are turning away critical patients as medicines and oxygen supplies are low. Manipur is choking, and residents are counting days when will the crisis end.