The economic blockade in Manipur has crossed 100 days and yet there is no sign of respite for its people. The State government is still confused whether or not to use force against the agitators. Its wait-and-watch policy is taking a toll on the common people. The Centre remains just another mute spectator. One wonders whether Manipur is indeed an integral part of India or just a geographical territory on the Indian map.
Angom Amarjit Singh,
Ningthoukhong
It is heartening to see The Hindu carry news on the far flung areas of the Northeast. Manipur blockade has not received the attention in most sections of the media.
R.C. Vanlalhriata,
New Delhi
Visitors to the Northeastern States would testify how most of the people there feel alienated and uncared for. If Kukis and Nagas remain moored in tribal rivalries, it is also because they have never had much exposure to ‘development,' which could come from new employment avenues. As a forester, I always wondered why no serious attempt was made to establish industries (paper industry, for example) to make use of the vast bamboo and wood resources in the Northeast. The constant refrain, 20 years ago, used to be inadequate infrastructure. That remains so even today.
R. Agastya,
Hyderabad
