IMPHAL, April 17 � The extension of the All Naga Students� Association, Manipur (ANSAM) sponsored economic blockade in Manipur�s two National Highways 39 and 53 has hit normal life on Saturday.
Soon after the ANSAM announced to intensity its agitation by extending the six-day economic blockade which was scheduled to conclude on Saturday midnight by a week, Imphalites went busy from the morning to store required essential items.
Vehicle owners thronged oil pumps to fill their tanks while the small time oil traders collected petrol and diesel to sell in black once the outlets closed. Most of the oil pumps in and around Imphal went dry in the afternoon. However, when contacted concerned officials said that there was enough oil stock at it�s Chingmeirong reservoir in Imphal.
�The existing stock position would cover at least 15 days�, an IOC official said. Manipur requires approximately 60 kilolitres of petrol and around 200 kilolitres of diesel daily.
ANSAM�s further announcement to stop the movement of inter-State passenger buses on the NH 39 and 53 has created apprehensions among the traders and travellers.
The student body launched it�s agitation against the government�s move to hold Autonomous District Council election in five hill districts of Chandel, Churachandpur, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul under the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (Third Amendment) Act 2008.
United Naga Council Manipur, an apex body of Naga frontal organisation has rejected the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (Third amendment) Act 2008 and conveyed the same through a series of agitations including consigning to flame copies of the Act on April 5, imposing a 12-hour Chakka bandh on April 6 last. They said the Act suppresses the rights of the Hill people.
