IMPHAL: The All-Tribal Students' Union of Manipur (ATSUM) imposed an economic blockade on both the national highways in Manipur from Monday night. It said the State Government was ignoring its demands.

A statement said the blockade would be in force for six days. If the Government did not meet the demands, all vehicular movements would be blocked.

Manipur has been affected by the economic blockade imposed last month by the All-Manipur Die-in-Harness Demand Committee demanding jobs for children of government employees who had died in service. Buses and goods-laden trucks are brought to Imphal three days a week under armed escorts. As a result, prices had increased abnormally.

The ATSUM demands reservation for tribals. Regarding this, a government spokesman said there already was reservation for tribals, and that there was no need for further reservation. The ATSUM also demands pension benefits for employees of district councils.

The spokesman said district councils were non-governmental autonomous bodies and as such the pension scheme could not be extended to the employees.

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