IMPHAL, June 12 - All works related to construction of Jiri-Tupul railway line project in hill areas of Manipur have been affected by the economic blockade and ban on national projects called by Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against Anti-Tribal Bills in association with Outer Manipur Tribals� Forum (OMTF).
The agitational programmes came into force on June 9 midnight in protest against the alleged �ill treatment of the tribal people that has recently been highlighted through the three anti-tribal Bills passed by Manipur Assembly.�
The 111 km Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway line, estimated to cost Rs 5,996 crore, is targeted to be completed by 2018 while the 84 km Jiribam-Tupul sector is projected for completion by this year-end.
Fearing possible disturbance, movement of all vehicles related with the project have been reportedly suspended for the last two-three days, sources said.
Meanwhile, movement of goods trucks on the National Highways continue to be affected due to the economic blockade, reports said. Many goods-laden trucks are stranded at Jiribam and Mao Gate in Manipur.
The blockade has already triggered panic buying of essential items including petroleum products.
