Price of essentials rises due to strike in Manipur

There is artificial shortage of fuel in Manipur and prices of consumer items have been hiked as a result of the 48-hour general strike the United Naga Council had imposed in the "Naga areas" in the State from Thursday midnight. The government says whenever there are general strikes and economic blockades that there is fuel reserve for one month.

From Friday morning all petrol pumps had gone "dry". However, there is no dearth of petrol and diesel for the ubiquitous roadside vendors who are selling the same at exorbitant prices under the nose of the government.

Consumer items in general, eggs, fish and fruits in particular, have become costlier. This is because of the fact that the trucks and other vehicles could not ply along the two highways since

Thursday evening. In absence of rail lines these highways are the lifeline of the state.

Reports say that a few hundred of trucks, buses and private vehicles are stranded along the highways since there is no armed escort.

Though the general strike is in the "Naga areas only" in practical terms it affects the entire state since Nagas are found along these highways. The UNC is demanding removal of the State forces from Ukhrul and revocation of the prohibitory orders.