The United Naga Council, the apex body of the Naga tribe in Manipur has called a 48 hour blockade along highways 37 and 150 from Tuesday midnight. This is in protest against the lack of interest and delaying tactics of the Manipur and the Central governments regarding the "alternative arrangement" for the Nagas in Manipur who contend that they no longer want to stay under the "communal government" in the state.
The last round of tripartite talks was held in Delhi on August 30, 2013. Since then there has been no invitation for the seventh round of talks.
Past experience has shown that during the blockade nothing can be brought to Imphal since the highways pass through the hill districts dominated by the tribal community. A handful of paramilitary personnel cannot ensure safe travel of the trucks and buses in the mountain highways. Prices are hiked during such blockades and consumer items vanish from the market.
State government sources said that the invitation for fresh talks will come from the Centre. There is no question of reviewing the blockade, sources said.
Meanwhile, the indefinite blockade called by the Manipur All Tribal Students' Union has been called off following an agreement with the government. The tribal students have been demanding improvement in the healthcare system and education in the region.
