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Economic blockade may lead to �civil war�: Group

By The Assam Tribune

IMPHAL, Sept 12 � A major women�s association in Manipur today appealed to the organisers of economic blockades on two national highways in the State to lift it immediately as it could lead to a �civil war�.

The blockades on Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati (NH 39) and Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar (NH 53) should be immediately lifted as it might lead to a civil war and division among different communities in the State, chief of International Manipuri Mothers� Association (IMMA) R K Khumanleima told reporters here.

It appeared that attempts were being made to divide communities in the State, she said, adding that fulfilment of the demands might not be in the hands of the State Government and the Centre should be approached.

The State has been witnessing an indefinite economic blockade on the two national highways since August 1 after Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) has launched the blockade to demand conversion of Kuki-majority Sadar Hills area in Naga-majority Senapati district into a full-fledged district.

Opposing SHDDC�s demand, the United Naga Council launched economic blockades on both highways from mid-August.

Blast: Four members of a family were injured when unidentified militants exploded a powerful grenade at a residence in an interior village in Manipur�s Imphal East district, police said today.

The militants set off the grenade at 11.30 pm last night at the house of Md Abdul Gani, a retired school teacher, injuring Gani�s four children who were asleep. Some windows, walls and doors of the house were also partly damaged, according to official reports.

The militants escaped under cover of darkness although local residents attempted to chase them, officials said, adding that injured were taken to hospital here where the condition of the all four was stated to be out of danger.

The motive behind the crime was not immediately known although police said they would investigate into it to find out whether it was connected with monetary demand from the retired teacher.

No individual or group has so far claimed responsibility. � PTI

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