IMPHAL, Sept 4 � Vehicular movement in the two supply lines of Manipur � National Highway 2 and NH 37 have been severely affected with the commencement of the United Naga Council (UNC) sponsored ban on vehicular traffic and national projects in Naga areas of Manipur from 6 am today.
However, there is no report of any unwanted incident till the filing of this report. Meanwhile, the State Government has tightened security measures to prevent violence during the the indefinite blockade.
Despite the Centre�s appeal to withdraw the blockade, the UNC enforced the ban on vehicular traffic and national projects in Naga areas of Manipur, as part of intensifying their protest over the death of two persons in the August 30 Ukrhul police firing.
The Centre, in a press release, had appealed for withdrawal of the call for economic blockade and ban on national projects which, it said, will cause inconvenience and hardships to the common people. The appeal came after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the situation in Manipur with State Governor VK Duggal, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and senior officers of Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Stating that the Government of India is seized of the situation in Manipur, arising out of recent developments that have caused tensions, Secretary Prakash Mishra of Ministry of Home Affairs reiterated that the Government of India is committed to finding a solution to all related issues.
Meanwhile, the State Government has started rationing of petrol and diesel through seven fuel outlets in Imphal East and Imphal West districts on Thursday.
