Today, the waiting time at petrol pumps in Imphal was a minimum of two hours.
The two highways leading into Manipur's capital Imphal were blocked and the supply of fuel was rationed across the city on day one of the economic blockade in the state, imposed by the United Naga Council in Manipur. (
Naga Groups Impose Blockade in Manipur Over Death of Protesters)
The blockade has been enforced by the Council, a political organisation of Nagas, to protest the death of two of its members who were allegedly killed in police firing last Saturday in Manipur's Ukhrul district. (
Two Killed in Clashes Between Police and Protesters in Manipur)
The protesters had organised the rally after defying a Section 144 order that prevents the assembly of four or more people, to demand that the Centre expedite an "acceptable and honourable settlement" of the Naga issue. They had also accused the Manipur government of bias against the Nagas. (
Naga Group Calls for Blockade in Manipur Over Death of Protesters)
Today, the waiting time at petrol pumps in Imphal was a minimum of two hours as people, apprehensive about the blockade stretching on for days and the situation becoming worse, made a beeline towards pumps that were open.
The supply of fuel was rationed: no vehicle owner was given fuel worth more than Rs 500.
The Manipur government had promised to provide security to vehicles coming towards Imphal during the blockade but so far, police have not taken any action against those who have picketed the roads leading into the capital. All bus services to Imphal, from Guwahati, have been suspended for now. (
Rajnath Singh Reviews Situation in Manipur)
Concerned by the situation, the Union Home Ministry has rushed officials to Manipur to take stock of the situation. The Naga Council, meanwhile, has said the blockade will not be lifted till the government of India agrees to negotiate with them.