The Home Minister was reacting to the fresh economic road blockade agitation that got underway today, while replying to questions in Rajya Sabha. “These are sensitive subjects. We are trying to deal with it without violence, without bloodshed. We don’t want a situation where there is bloodshed. So far, things are peaceful. Although the blockade did affect Manipur, but as we speak, NH-39 is open and trucks are plying,” he claimed.
“Actually, they have been plying until yesterday, they are plying today and, we will ensure that these trucks use NH-39,” he said
As far as private trucks are concerned, they have some problems in using NH-39. They complained about extortion. We have deployed security forces. We are prepared to provide security for convoys of private truckers,” he assured.
Talks are going on, as we speak, both in Nagaland and Manipur, and I hope that the blockade in NH-39 will not be there and trucks will continue to ply on NH-39, he said.
The NH-53 is a slightly different problem. There, part of the blockade on NH- 53 was done by the Meithi groups themselves. But, NH-53 is now open. It is a longer route, a somewhat difficult one. But, trucks are plying on NH-53 and security is being provided for trucks which ply on NH-53 also, he said.
Adding that the problems that affect Nagaland and some districts of Manipur are very well known, Chidambaram said NH-39 was indeed a subject-matter of blockade for several days... several weeks rather. “But, finally, we were able to persuade the protestors to lift the blockade. Again, of course, the UNC has announced a blockade, he said
Yesterday, the Chief Minister of Manipur held a meeting with all the groups representing the hill districts, but UNC did not attend that meeting. Nevertheless, an appeal has been made to UNC to come and discuss the matter with the State Government.
The Centre has admitted that it has been asking the NE States of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland to crack down on extortion activities of militant outfits.
The Centre also admitted to reports of extortion by insurgent outfits on National Highways. National Highway 39, linking Dimapur to Moreh passes through areas dominated by Nagas, Meities and Kuki insurgent outfits. There are reports indicating incidents of extortion by insurgent groups along this highway.
The State governments have been advised to take appropriate action and enhance vigil along the NHs, the Minister added.
A round-table meeting under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister of Manipur was organised to discuss matters relating to autonomous district councils in Manipur, which was attended by representatives of various Central ministries. The next round of talks would be convened shortly, it assured.
