Manipur blockade sends essential prices 140% up
Guwahati, India - Blockades by Naga and Kuki groups have driven up the cost of essential goods in Manipur by an alarming 140%, according to reports from the state. Hundreds of trucks have been stuck along National Highway 202, while over 400 others remain stranded near Litan on the Imphal-Ukhrul road for nearly three weeks. A driver relayed to reporters that they are merely surviving, with some stranded for over 20-25 days.
The truckers have appealed to the state and central government to allow the safe passage of the 400-500 vehicles blocked.
Prices of basic commodities have skyrocketed across both the valley and hill regions of Manipur. The first round of discussions between the Manipur government and the United Naga Council (UNC) was reportedly fruitful and cordial, with both parties agreeing to continue talks to address the issues raised by the Naga apex body. Thokchom Radheshyam, a government spokesperson, described the meeting as an ice breaker, indicating that further rounds of discussions would be held to find solutions.
UNC president Ng Lorho, however, emphasized that the organization will maintain its blockade along the national highways until its four-point charter of demands is met.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
