Yet another economic blockade on the land-locked Manipur. Spurning the offer for talks, the All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) launched the protest from midnight on Saturday.
ATSUM finance secretary Hemang Haokip said transporters should avoid plying on national and State highways, hinting at dire consequences of defying the blockade, which has been called to protest against “neglect of tribal areas in development projects.” However, as the operators were cautious, trucks, buses and private vehicles pulled up much before midnight.
Government sources, however, said security would be provided for trucks plying on National Highways 53 and 39. Till recently, however, vehicles could use the highways only twice a week owing to shortage of security personnel.
Government sources told The Hindu that the talks offer was still open.
