Newmai News Network
Imphal | June 9
Panic gripped Imphal as residents queued Petrol pumps to buy fuel on Thursday. Fuel outlets are likely to shut down due to the 10-day long economic blockade called by tribal civil societies under the aegis of the ‘Joint Action Committee against Anti-tribal Bills’ in protest against the three "anti tribal bills".
The economic blockade imposed along all National Highways connecting Manipur began on Thursday midnight. Fuel and other consumer goods are likely to remain in short supply. All highways in the state pass through tribal areas in the hill districts of the land-locked state.
The strike comes after a delegation represented by leaders from various political parties functioning in Manipur initiated talks with the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi to seek assent to the bills from the President of India.
“The tribal people will not settle for anything other than a permanent and sustainable solution, and shall continue the fight for tribal identity and land rights till a solution that is acceptable to the tribal people is reached,” the tribal JAC said.
Earlier, a joint meeting of the committee with the Outer Manipur Tribals’ Forum (OMTF), a tribal apex body of the Hmar Inpui, Mizo People Convention, Thadou Inpi, United Naga Council and Zomi Council, convened in Imphal and decided to impose the highway blockade.
Condemning the recent incident that took place in New Delhi during a protest demonstration, the JAC backed by OMTF also called a 24-hour total shutdown in all tribal areas of Manipur from June 8 midnight. Reports reaching here said the strike affected life in the hill districts.
Inter-district and inter-state transport services remained off the road due to the shutdown which ended peacefully.
