Imphal:
A 93-day economic blockade on Manipur's main national highway was lifted at midnight after the state government signed an agreement with the agitating group, demanding a separate Kuki tribe dominated-district to be carved out of hill areas near Imphal.
The agreement between the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) and the state government was signed around midnight in capital Imphal with leaders of the Committee and senior officials present at the meeting. The government has agreed to upgrade the Sadar Hills area near Imphal to a full-fledged district at the earliest.
However, it remains to be seen whether this agreement will bring any relief to Manipur as Naga groups, opposed to this district, say they will intensify their counter blockade on the same highway as they are opposed to the government decision. The Naga counter-blockade is being spearheaded by the United Naga Council (UNC).
The SHDCC had launched the economic blockade August 1 on two national highways - Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati (NH 39) and Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar (NH53) - to press their demand for conversion of Kuki tribal majority Sadar Hills area into a full fledged district.
The two highways are the lifeline to Manipur as supplies of all essentials are brought to the state from adjoining Assam and other parts of India.
(With inputs from IANS)