Blockade on Imphal-Moreh route causing problems to locals

Kakching Lamkhai/Pallel (Manipur), July 24 (ANI): Commuters travelling on the Moreh-Imphal route are facing a tough time due to an ongoing blockade imposed by the Manipur Private Vehicle Transport Association.

People have to walk for long before getting on a bus or a private vehicle to reach either Imphal or Moreh.

Tata Sumo and the Van Welfare Association of Kakching and Moreh have imposed the blockade.

Interacting with mediapersons, Haopu, a local commuter, said, "Due to the blockade we now have to walk a long way. It is very tiring and very bad."

The blockade was imposed after nine suspected cadres of Naga Socialist Council of Nagalim Isak Muivah Faction torched two commercial vehicles near Thamnapokpi.

People believe that NSCN (IM) cadres might be the culprits.

"This area is mainly held by the NSCN (IM), so we are not sure. But we suspect that they might be the culprits," a driver informed.

The suspected cadres looted the passengers and drivers and took away nearly Rs.35,000 cash along with mobile phones.

Transport operators on this route had been facing ire of the insurgent outfits and have been demanding for more security on the way.

Sanakhaomba, Secretary, Tata Sumo and Van Welfare Association, Kakching has condemned the incident.

" We have blocked NH-2 because they burnt two vehicles and snatched all their belongings from two drivers along with the passengers. We strongly condemn such untoward incidents," Sanakhaomba said.

Tata Sumo and Van Services, Moreh, meanwhile has demanded security on highways.

Haokhopao, Vice President, Tata Sumo and Van Services, Moreh, said, "We want the government to provide security on these highways such incidents can happen to anyone. It is our appeal to the government to provide us security and prevent such incident in future."

Manipur has, in past, witnessed blockades led by Nagas and Kukis that completely paralysed the state and created a shortage of essential commodities like fuel and food. (ANI)