File photo of the protests on August 30
Five days after the United Naga Council imposed a highway blockade in Manipur, the state government has withdrawn prohibitory orders imposed under section 144 in the town of Ukhrul.
But the United Naga Council, which had imposed the boycott, is not in a re-conciliatory mood and has demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi should intervene in the situation.
The prohibitory orders, which have been in force for more than two months, were imposed after a member of the Ukhrul autonomous district council Ngalangzar Malue was killed by unidentified people.
Various Naga organisations protested against the order which prohibits more than 4 people assembling in a public place.
On August 31, two protestors of the United Naga Council were killed and several injured when police allegedly opened fire on a sec 144 protest rally held in Ukhrul.
The United Naga Council than imposed an indefinite blockade of all highways in Naga inhabited areas in Manipur from September 4.
Even though the state government has now backed down, the United Naga Council has said it will not back down till the Prime Minister directly intervenes.
In the meantime, 300 trucks carrying essential supplies like LPG and Fuel were brought in to the Imphal under heavy police escort on Sunday evening .
This was done via the alternative Jiribam - Imphal highway, that leads to the state capital.
The main highway into Imphal , the Guwahati - Dimapur - Kohima - Imphal road, continues to remain blocked
Despite the trucks reaching Imphal, petrol is not available at pumps while diesel is still being rationed . Rice, pulses and vegetables are however available in the city.