Imphal: The 63-day long economic blockade on Manipur's highway seems to have got a breather, but with a veiled threat.
"We will temporarily suspend the blockade for two or three days. If they do not resolve the issues, we will agitate again. The Home Minister and the Prime Minister have assured us that they will resolve the issue," said Achumbimo Kikon, Adviser, Naga Students Federation.
The issue is regarding amendment of the Act that grants the Hill Districts greater autonomy. They want more financial and administrative powers which the Chief Minister earlier said he was willing to give.
"We are discussing not only more financial power, but the inclusion of administrative power as well", said Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister, Manipur.
But the Manipur Government had at the same time ordered the arrest of the student leaders, calling them 'wanted'. The mistrust is very apparent and unless that is addressed, this crisis is still far from over.
The student leaders had even stronger words for the home secretary, who wants central forces to move in and clear all the roadblocks.
"We are not happy with home secretary he is a liability for the country. He has no authority to comment, he has failed miserably to tackle the issue," said Achumbimo Kikon.
There is no clarity on the situation yet. The deadlock has not been resolved; the blockade has only been temporarily suspended, and NSCN (IM) chief TH Muivah is still in Nagaland and hasn't given up his demand of entering Manipur to visit his native village. Muivah's proposed visit which Manipur government has been resisting is also a flashpoint in this crisis and needs resolution. (
Read: What Manipur blockade is about)