Newmai News Network Imphal | November 12 An indefinite counter-blockade began today along Imphal-Ukhrul road, called by local organisations of Khurai area in Imphal East district as the indefinite economic blockade call given by the United Naga Council (UNC) entered its 12th day today over Sadar Hills and Jiribam district creation issue. "There'll be no let up in the counter-blockade stir until UNC calls off its economic blockade being imposed along the two National Highways connecting the state with rest of the country," a local woman activist told media at Khurai Konsam Leikai this evening. Due to the ongoing economic blockade that kicked-off from midnight of October 30, Manipur is facing acute shortage of essential items including fuel. Prices of essential commodities have soared. Potato rose up to Rs 40 per kg while petrol is being sold at Rs 200 a litre in the black market. All schools have declared holiday following the All Manipur School Students Tranporters' Association ceased service after all fuel stations went dry. The situation might worsen further since the UNC has vowed to intensify the stir despite calls from public to withdraw it. UNC is protesting against Manipur government's move to declare Sadar Hills and Jiribam as full-fledged revenue districts. The UNC maintains that no district should be created over "Naga territory." It has gauged the plan as an attempt to infringe upon Naga areas. All vehicles ferrying goods from Imphal to Ukhrul district were forced to stop at Khurai Konsam Leikai by volunteers of YOS Club, Khurai Konsam Leikai, AWON Lup and Khurai Konsam Leikai Chaokhat Khongthang Nupi Lup since noon. The counter-blockade is likely to extend to all routes leading to hill districts. The same stir was enforced in Khoyathong area of Imphal West where womenfolk emptied all goods ferrying vehicles which were heading for Senapati district.
