Manipur is bracing for protracted economic blockade now that the All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) has given final touches to impose an indefinite blockade from February 16, 2014 to press their various. The Kuki Impi Sadar Hills, a pressure group dominating the Sadar Hills area through which National Highway 2 passes, is supporting the ATSUM protest move.
Seijalen Gangte, secretary of the Kuki Impi Sadar Hills in a statement said that since it is in the interest of the tribals it will extend full cooperation. He also exhorted the drivers to refrain from plying along the National Highway 2.
The ATSUM has been demanding various measures from the government in the larger interest of the tribals in general and tribal students in particular.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Statehood Demand Committee (KSDC) has threatened to renew its demand for a separate State for the Kukis. Various Kuki organizations, including the Kuki rebels, have extended their support to the KSDC. George Guite, the publicity secretary of the KSDC said that assurances by the government had been swept under the mat and precious nothing was done to create a separate State for the Kukis. He said that in protest against the government negligence there will be a poster and mass awareness campaign from early March.
