Nagas extend blockade for 25 more days in Manipur

Imphal, Aug 24 (PTI): The United Naga Council (UNC) today decided to extend its economic blockade, which was to end today after over three weeks, to 25 more days on two vital highways of Manipur, saying its demands have not been met.

The blockade had began by the UNC on Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati NH-39 and Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar NH 53 on August 4 demanding, among others, lifting of Section 144 CrPC and withdrawal of State forces from some hill areas.

A UNC spokesman said the decision to extend the 20-day blockade was taken at a meeting on August 21 as the government had not conceded to the demands.

Official sources said the UNC's decision to extend the blockade followed the August 19 statement of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in Lok Sabha ruling out division of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to accommodate the demand of Nagalim or Greater Nagaland.

The Assam Tribune

A UNC spokesman said the decision to extend the 20-day blockade was taken at a meeting on August 21 as the government had not conceded to the demands.