Imphal: Manipur has been cut off from the rest of the country for almost two months now because of an indefinite blockade imposed by some pressure groups in the hills of Manipur who want greater autonomy. Backing them is the militant outfit NSCN(IM) who have refused to change their stand.
Meanwhile, the state government has utterly failed to manage its own affairs.
The convoy of supply trucks escorted through NH53 over the weekend may have brought some relief to Manipur but its still not good enough for most people.
People from various walks of life have been intensely affected by the blockade. Sajendra, owner of a poultry farm in Manipur, had to sell off all the birds due to the unavailability of chick feed.
"Due to the blockade there is unavailability of chicken feed and that is why I had to sell off my large birds," said Sajendra.
Sajendra was earning about 15,000 rupees a month from poultry farming. Though he has another batch of chicks left, his chickfeed will not last him more than a week. He also runs a private taxi service which has been badly hit due to fuel crisis.
"Because of the blockade there is non availability of petrol also and we have to buy from black market at the rate of 150 rupees," he said.
The indefinite highway blockade has not only crippled life with scarce supplies and healthcare concerns, it has affected small businesses adversely. The effect is going to be long term.