NSF to Intensify Blockade of Manipur Vehicles

Kohima, May 28 : The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) today said they will intensify its ongoing blockade of Manipur-bound vehicles on NH-39 due to "failure" of the Manipur government in fulfilling their demands.

This decision was taken at an emergency meeting here on Thursday, where it was resolved to continue the ban imposed on Manipur-bound vehicles on NH-39, which connects Imphal with Dimapur, since May 4, NSF sources said.

The federation also served an ultimatum to the Manipur government demanding withdrawal of section 144 of the CrPC from Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur and an unconditional apology from Chief Minister Ibobi Singh for restricting NSF leaders from entering beyond Mao inter-state gate on May 3.

Some organizations in the nearby Karbi Anglong district of Assam, led by All Assam Manipuri Students' Union, on Thursday called upon United Naga Council (UNC), Manipur and NSF to withdraw the ban immediately, warning that an economic blockade might be imposed on Nagaland.

Economic blockade on NH 53 and NH 39 since mid-April by All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and others opposing the ADC elections has triggered humanitarian crisis in Manipur due to acute shortage of essentials there.