Lok Sabha Debates
Month-Long Economic Blockade On National Highways Of Manipur. on 26 July, 2005
> Title: Month-long economic blockade on National Highways of Manipur.
DR. THOKCHOM MEINYA (INNER MANIPUR): Mr. Speaker, Sir, there has been a month-long economic blockade on the only two lifelines of Manipur, namely, NH-39 and NH-53 since June 21, 2005 by the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM). During this period, the suffering of the people of Manipur knows no bounds. The suffering is all the more for our brethren in the hill districts of the State. The essential commodities are not at all available in the market. At the same time, we have to pay a very high price. One kilogram of rice is sold above Rs. 60; one litre of petrol is sold above Rs. 100; and a gas cylinder costs more than Rs. 700. Recently a bridge on the NH-53 was blown up and what not. Already, the State has been, of late, suffering quite a lot. I would say enough is enough. Whatever might be the reason, every issue can always be resolved amicably through dialogue. Offer of dialogue by the State Government being not accepted, the blockade still continues. What a tragedy! This situation cannot be allowed to continue further, and the people of Manipur should not be subjected to this kind of treatment.
Hence, I urge upon the Union Government to step in and intervene to assist the State Government to resolve the stalemate by providing full protection to these National Highways, which are even otherwise needed to be protected under any circumstance.
SHRI RUPCHAND PAL (HOOGHLY): On behalf of my Party, I associate myself with what the hon. Member has said. The Government has a responsibility with regard to Manipur. There, the blockade is continuing.
MR. SPEAKER: All right. You have not given notice.
SHRI RUPCHAND PAL : I associate myself, Sir.
MR. SPEAKER: No. We shall have a bonfire of the Rules! Shri Tapir Gao.