Imphal, July 04: Even as the indefinite economic blockade imposed on the two National Highways has begun to take its toll on the people of Manipur, the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur is still sticking to its stand that the State Government should first revoke its June 18 State holiday declaration for any talk to materialise.

When The Sangai Express contacted ANSAM president Paul Langhu today, the student leader made it clear and said �We can come to the table to talk only after the Government revoke its decision to declare June 18 as State Integrity Day�.

Making his stand clear, Langhu said, �The Government should take this issue as a people's movement and not a students' movement as this concerns the whole Naga community and other tribal community�.

It would be much better off for the Government to realise its follies and retract its stand first instead of inviting ANSAM to the negotiating table, he said adding, �We have already rejected an earlier proposition from the Govt to talk things over�.

The student leader minced no word and said, �Our stand is very clear.

We will not retract and the economic blockade will go on until the Government agrees to respect our legitimate demand�.

Stating that the agitation has received the support of other organisations, Langhu said, �All NGOs and student bodies of Nagaland have been extending their support to us and the agitation will only intensify in the coming days�.

The Naga Students' Federation, Southern Angami Students' Union and Dimapur Naga Students' Union have extended their support to the agitation of ANSAM.

On the commitment given by Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio to the State Govt that it would provide security to escort the stranded trucks upto Mao gate, Langhu said that it is up to the understanding between the two Governments.

�However this understanding will not undermine the cause of the Naga people,� he added.

Deploying armed forces on the highways will not bear any fruits, he warned.Meanwhile the Naga Students' Union, Chandel has also made it clear that the economic blockade on the Moreh route is still very much in force.

In a statement the student body said that as a subordinate body of ANSAM it would strictly abide by the economic blockade of ANSAM and block the Pallel-Moreh route.

The student body also warned all not to violate the restrictions on the highways and added that anyone violating the blockade will be held responsible for any untoward incident.