Activists demanding the creation of the Sadar Hills district torched two trucks on Wednesday at Keithelmanbi and Kangpokpi on the third day of the week-long blockade.
A car and a motorcycle were damaged. Though armed escorts accompanied vehicles coming towards Imphal, the activists pelted stones at them, smashing windscreens and window panes. Some drivers and passengers have received injuries.
Initially, the agitation was merely an economic blockade which meant commercial items would not be allowed inside Manipur. Both the NHs 39 and 37, which are the lifelines of Manipur, pass through the Sadar Hills. On Tuesday, the driver of an oil tanker lost control when activists stoned the tanker from all sides. While bringing the vehicle under control, the tanker ran over three women, including a college girl, killing them on the spot. The activists imposed an indefinite strike immediately.
Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said that the government was considering to upgrade the Sadar Hills to a full-fledged district. There are similar demands from Jiribam, Churachandpur and Ukhrul.
