IMPHAL, June 17 - The 10-day economic blockade on National Highways and ban on ongoing national projects in the tribal areas of Manipur and the counter blockade on roads leading to the hill districts have severely affected the movement of goods in the State since the last few days.
The Joint Action Committee Against Anti-Tribal Bills and Outer Manipur Tribals� Forum sponsored blockade began on June 9 midnight in protest against the passing of three Bills in Manipur Assembly last year. The counter blockade was launched by womenfolk on June 13.
Following the imposition of blockade, supplies from other parts of the country have been severely affected while goods were prevented from being transported to the hill areas.
The economic blockade has also affected works related with the construction of the 84 km Jiribam-Tupul railway line project in Manipur, sources said.
Newmai News adds: Five lethod bombs and three hand grenades were recovered by security forces during a search operation at Waithou along National Highway 102 in Thoubal district on Friday.
Acting on a tip off, a combined team of Assam Rifles and Lilong Police personnel carried out the search operation around 5 am today, a report said.
