There is an acute shortage of life-saving drugs in Manipur as a result of the 68-day blockade imposed by Naga groups, some chemists told TheHindu .
Although the blockade was suspended on June 18, at the belated intervention of the Centre, there is no free flow of the vehicles along the highways, they added.
Though National Highway 39 is in a better condition the drivers are avoiding it for fear of illegal extortion of taxes. NH 53, which is now the only lifeline of the landlocked State, is in a horrible condition.
The situation has been aggravated by torrential rains and blockades imposed by the All-Naga Students' Association Manipur and the United Naga Council.
There is a huge demand for life-saving drugs, especially with the recent outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis and other killer diseases. However, in view of the 72-hour strike imposed by the Naga groups from Monday night these drugs cannot be brought to Imphal.
