The Hindu : Front Page : Naga students to suspend Manipur blockade

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Aug 11, 2005

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Naga students to suspend Manipur blockade

IMPHAL: The All-Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM), will suspend its economic blockade on the two national highways, NH 39 and 53, in the State from Thursday.

ANSAM took this decision after its leaders called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on Wednesday morning. Earlier students in Manipur took out a huge rally protesting against the blockade.

Dr. Singh assured ANSAM that he would discuss its demands with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.

"ANSAM under pressure"

A senior Manipur Cabinet Minister said, "ANSAM is under tremendous pressure to call off the blockade", which started on June 20 after the Government declared June 18 an annual holiday to observe "State integrity day." ANSAM said the Government decision was against its goal of unification of Nagas.

The State has gone through a crisis with the launching of the blockade. Life saving drugs and essential items could not be brought in. The Centre was forced to airdrop essential food supplies.

Urea supply

Farmers in the State have started an agitation demanding urea supplies. Agriculture Minister Ph Parijat launched a plan to bring in fertilizer consignments with security.

He said urea would be distributed at police stations. — UNI

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