Manipur blockade sparks hostel food crisis

• UNC blockade in Manipur shuts schools and suspends fuel supplies
• LPG cylinder prices hit Rs 5,000 amid severe economic crisis
• Blockade on National Highway-2 continues despite CM's appeal

New Delhi: A severe economic blockade is in place in several parts of Manipur, since May 13. This blockade came into force after the killing of 3 Thadou

pastors in the Kuki-dominated district of Kangpokpi. This is a very severe blockade and the prices of essential commodities have spiralled manifold in the area where the blockade is in force.

A report in The Hindu, last month had claimed that an LPG cylinder cost Rs 5,000 in parts where the blockade is in force. Now an investigation by News9 revealed that schools have been shut due to the economic blockade called by the United Naga Council (UNC). The students studying at these boarding schools have been sent back home, due to the crisis.

Apart from the school hostels, several gas agencies and petrol pumps in the region have also suspended operations. All of these are being blamed on the economic blockade called by the UNC.

Manipur has seen at least 40 killings since February, when President’s Rule was revoked in the state by the Central government. This fresh wave of ethnic violence has spread to Naga and Kuki communities. Initially the ethnic violence involved the 2 major communities of the state, the Kukis and the Meiteis. But now even the nagas have entered the picture and they are in direct conflict with the Kuki community in the northeastern state.

The Committee on Tribal Unity, alleged that the unrest stemmed from a prolonged blockade of essential supplies to Kuki-Zo inhabited areas. The committee claimed that prolonged inaction by the authorities forced local residents to remove a blockade checkpoint, leading to clashes with those enforcing the blockade.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, just days back appealed to protestors to withdraw, but despite his appeal, there is no change in their stance and the blockade at the Namdilong Gate in Kanglatongbi along National Highway-2 continues. This blockade is affecting the movement of goods and vehicles along the strategic highway, one of Manipur’s principal supply routes connecting the Imphal Valley with the hill districts.