IMPHAL, JUNE 10 : A 10-day-long economic blockade and ban on construction of all ongoing national projects in hill (tribal) areas began in Manipur today leaving a large number of goods-laden trucks stranded on the inetr-state borders.
Police said loaded trucks are stranded at Mao on the borders with Nagaland and at Jiribam on the borders with Assam. However, inter-state passenger vehicles are being allowed to pass without restriction.
Supporters came out in the various hill districts to enforce the blockade, particularly at Kangpokpi area in Senapati district, police said adding there was no report of any untoward incident from any part of the state.
The blockade has been jointly called by Joint Action Committee of Churachandpur and an apex tribal body Outer Manipur Tribal’s Forum comprising United Naga Council, Zomi Council, Thadou Inpi, Hmar Inpui and Mizo People Convention.
They are protesting against the process of implementation of Inner Line Permit system in Manipur through conversion of three ILP-related bills into Acts with the assent of the President.
The three bills were passed unanimously in August last year by the state assembly after a two month-long agitation to protect the indigenous people from illegal immigrants in the state, including those from neighbouring Myanmar.
The agitators are also protesting against the June 7 clash between Delhi police and Manipur Rifles personnel and tribal protestors from the state who had convereged at the gates of Manipur Bhawan at Chanakyapuri at the national capital. Twenty five people, including police officers, were injured in the incident.
