Imphal: A blockade called by the All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) on two National Highways of Manipur, NH 39 and 53 from April 17 midnight, has disrupted life in Manipur.
The ANSAM imposed the blockade to protest the decision of the Manipur government to conduct Autonomous District Council elections in the hill areas.
The ANSAM had earlier called for a six-day economic blockade on the two highways which was followed by complete bandh. All inter-state passenger bus services were also cancelled due to the bandh and people going to neighbouring states by roads faced hardships.
Supply of petroleum products has also been affected and most oil depots have stopped supplying petroleum products.
More than 400 trucks were stranded at the Manipur-Nagaland border areas and the drivers were forced to live on the highway for a long time without proper food. Some of the drivers also fell seriously ill. Arrangements were made by the transport operators to provide medicines and food to the drivers.
Some vehicles were escorted to Imphal from Mao and Moreh by police. Passengers who were stranded on the highways hired private vehicles to reach Imphal.
The ANSAM wants the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (Third amendment) Act 2008 nullified alleging that it is not providing adequate powers to the district councils. (UNI)
