IMPHAL, June 13 (NNN): Stranded truckers suffered a fourth day today as the 10-day economic blockade called by tribal organisations continued to halt transportation of goods along the two National Highways considered the lifelines of the land-locked region.
Reports reaching here informed that several Imphal-bound loaded trucks were stuck at Leingangpokpi along the 122 km-long National Highway 37 Imphal-Jiribam road which is the second lifeline of Manipur. Several trucks were also stranded along NH-102 Imphal-Dimapur highway.
A number of empty trucks were also stuck at Keithelmanbi along NH-37. Once they get escorted by security forces, they are likely to head for Assam to fetch goods and petroleum products.
A Joint Action Committee against Anti-Tribal Bills kicked off the blockade in all tribal areas of the state from midnight of June 9 to register protest against the three bills. The government insists that the bills aim to protect the interests of all indigenous communities of Manipur. However, the tribals think otherwise.
KSA members released
Meanwhile, a potential 48-hour general strike in Manipur was averted following the unconditional release of five students on Monday, IANS reported. The students, demanding action against adulteration, were arrested in a questionable manner.
Members of the Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA) had on May 27 caught Rajesh Kumar Yadav, a dealer of iodised salt packets, while adulterating the same in Imphal. His brother, Rajat Prasad Yadav, who runs a hotel at Keishampat in Imphal was also pulled up.
While they were being paraded before reporters, police raided and arrested the five KSA members while letting the brothers go away. People have been questioning the role of police in protecting the traders while arresting the students.
