Imphal, May 18, 2010: Pointing out that the Government of Manipur is unable to resolve the crisis of economic blockade on National Highways, the Manipur People's Party has sought direct intervention of the Centre.

Speaking to media persons at their office yesterday, MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang noted that essential commodities including petroleum products have become quite scare of totally unavailable due to the prolonged economic being imposed by ANSAM against Autonomous District Council elections coupled with the turmoil resulting from Thuingaleng Muivah's attempt to visit Manipur.

The State Government is unable to solve this crisis of economic blockade which has been going on for more than a month.

In view of the State Government's abject failure to address the misery of the people, the Government of India should step in and handle the issue directly to ensure that the blockade is lifted and essential commodities available to the people.

Two memoranda have been sent to the Prime Minister and the Union Minister towards this end, Dr Nimaichand said.

The State Government is neither working to procure essential commodities along NH 39 with security escorts nor along NH 53. Acknowledging CAF & PD Minister Y Erabot's complaint that the Home Department refused to spare any security personnel to escort vehicles for ferrying goods along NH 53, Dr Nimaichand observed that the State Government is paying little attention to this option.

At the same time, the Government has done nothing to ensure availability of essential commodities to the people, he alleged.

Regarding the burning issue of the fast depleting stocks of food items, a meeting of the MPP Working Committee would be held on May 19 and discuss what the party can do, he added.