While the month since 500 and 1,000-rupee notes were scrapped has been difficult for millions of people across India in Manipur, already reeling under a protest that has inflamed the price of essential commodities, it has been especially trying. An economic blockade launched last month by tribal communities in Manipur against the proposal to carve seven new districts has raised the price of petrol to Rs. 300 a litre and cooking gas cylinders to Rs. 2,000 in the grey market.