File pic of the protests on August 30
Naga organisations in Manipur have imposed an indefinite blockade to stop all vehicular traffic on national and state highways in Naga-dominated areas in Manipur starting today, in protest against the death of two protesters last week.
The United Naga Council has said it will not let any traffic ply on both national highways that connect Manipur's capital Imphal to the rest of the country. The blockade has hit the supply of essential commodities to the state; trucks from making their way to Imphal have been stopped.
In Imphal, people are stocking up essential commodities. Most petrol pumps here are shut; those open are witnessing long lines. The pumps are giving fuel only worth Rs 700 to each customer.
Bus operators in Guwahati have also told NDTV that services to Imphal have been suspended for now.
The blockade has been called by the United Naga Council, the apex political organisation of Nagas, in protest against the death of two people who were killed in Ukhrul district, nearly 85 kilometres from Imphal, after police allegedly opened fire on protesters on Saturday.
The protesters were taking out a rally in the district, defying a Section 144 order that prevents the assembly of four or more people, demanding that the Centre expedite an "acceptable and honorable settlement" of the Indo-Naga issue. They also accused the Manipur government of bias against the Nagas.
The United Naga Council claims the Manipur police commandos and jawans of the India Reserve Battalion had fired on the protesters -- who they claimed were unarmed -- indiscriminately.
The police claimed that they initially used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators but resorted to firing when they heard gunshots.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh met the Manipur Chief Minister on Wednesday and asked him to ensure that roads in Manipur are not blocked because of the agitation.