They also accused the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur, of being partial in blocking vehicles during the ongoing economic blockade.
The students have not been allowing buses between Imphal and other towns, including Kohima, Dimapur, Guwahati and Shillong, to ply along Imphal-Kohima and Imphal-Jiribam highways after the inter-state bus services was brought under the purview of the blockade.
The union imposed the blockade against the Ibobi Singh government’s plan to hold elections to six autonomous district councils next month.
Naga student bodies are opposing the election maintaining that the ADCs constituted under the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act (Third Amendment) Act 2008 would not have much power to safeguard the rights of the indigenous people.
They began the blockade along Imphal-Kohima and Imphal-Jiribam highways from April 11 midnight for six days and then extended it for seven more days from April 17 midnight. This time the association has covered buses to and from Manipur under the purview of the blockade.
After the Ibobi Singh cabinet reaffirmed on April 23 the government’s decision to hold the election in May, the Naga students group extended the blockade indefinitely from April 24 midnight to put pressure on the state government.
The government sent escorts to bring back stranded supply trucks from Mao in Senapati district to Imphal from time to time.
“The government did not provide enough security for the vehicles and buses. So the bus services could not resume. We appeal to the government to clear the blockade and allow free movement of vehicles,” Athokpam Budha Luwang, president of the All Manipur Inter-State Bus Association, told the media today.
The association alleged that even though the students’ body blocked the inter-state buses, it is allowing buses to ply between Imphal and Senapati district headquarters and Imphal-Mao.
“We are private operators and not a government agency. Why should our buses be included in the economic blockade? This is partiality on the part of the student body,” Luwang said.
He also expressed resentment at the blockade supporters for allowing taxi services between Imphal and Dimapur.
“Imphal to Dimapur bus fare is Rs 350. The taxis are charging Rs 600 per head. The travelers are suffering because of this. The blocking of the buses is also causing inconvenience to students coming home and travelling out of Manipur to their place of study,” the president of the transporters’ association said.
However, the students’ body is unlikely to lift the blockade.
With reports that the Ibobi Singh government is planning to issue the election notification in the next few days, the association is reported to be chalking out strategies to intensify its agitation.
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