IMPHAL, May 12: A meeting of the unified command chaired by chief minister O. Ibobi Singh was held today at the CM’s secretariat in connection with the lifting of essential commodities in the wake of the prevailing scarcity faced due to the blockade on both the National Highways (39 and 53) against the forthcoming ADC elections, and also the intended visit of Th. Muivah, General Secretary of NSCN(IM).

The alternative or opening up the NH-53 which falls exclusively within the state territory is also not feasible because of weak bridges along it.

The meeting was attended by FCS minister, Y. Irabot, chief secretary, DGP, IGAR (S), GOC 57 Mountain Division, KI Singh of IOC, joint director SBI, IF (CRPF) and DIG (BSF).

According to a reliable source, the meeting discussed the possible alternative route for transportation of stranded vehicles (freight vehicles) with heavy security escorts and the possibility of airlifting. Some of the routes discussed included Guite Road Churachandpur, NH-53 and others.

In the meantime, a statement released by the chief minister’s secretariat appealed to  the people of Manipur to remain patient and assured that the state government is taking all possible measures to normalize the situation.

It said that alternative arrangements are being made on an emergency basis for supply of life saving drugs, POL and essential commodities.

In the statement the chief minister has urged the people to remain united and not to pursue selfish interest by resorting to hoarding or black marketeering.

It said that the state government will take stringent action against those trying to take advantage of the situation.

NNN adds from Aizwal: Due to economic blockade imposed along the National Highway-39 and 53 by All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) in protest against the holding of the elections to the Autonomous District Council under the present status, the Manipur State Government has made arrangement of importing goods and other essential commodities via Silchar-Aizawl-Sinzawl-Churachandpur-Imphal until the current situation is contained.

Sources said in this regard, the Manipur Government has sought co-operation from the Government  of Mizoram and sought  assistance from state government as well as the people of Mizoram.

Since, April 11 the blockade the ANSAM has been imposing blockade along the two national highways leading to Manipur protesting that the state government of Manipur holds the elections to the district councils only after the present Manipur Hill Areas District Council Act is amended.

The situation was compounded by the impasse of NSCN-IM general secretary Thuigaleng Muivah's proposed visit to Manipur.
The total blockade along the National Highway 39 was witnessed since May 1 after the Manipur police commandos and IRB personnel banned entries of all vehicles from Nagaland side into Manipur.