Imphal, June 17 2010: Member of European Parliament from the United Kingdom and Chairperson of the Inter-Parliamentary Delegation on India in the European Parliament, Graham Watson has raised the ongoing blockade in Manipur in the plenary session of the European Parliament on Tuesday last.

According to an information received from the Human Right Alert, Imphal West, Graham Watson told the European Parliament that he rose "to draw the attention to the blockade in the Indian state of Manipur.

Highway 39, which links the state to the rest of India, has been blockaded since 12 April.

This has prevented food and fuel and medical supplies from eaching some two and a half million people; hospitals have been forced to stop all but emergency operations; the price of essential goods are up by 300% on a black market; and half a million children under the age of eight are among the worst hit" .

He is reported to have said that the road has been blockaded by Naga tribes people and particularly by the All Naga Students' Association.

He hoped that the House would join him in urging the Indian Government urgently to seek a negotiated settlement, including the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, to put an end to a humanitarian crisis which is almost as serious as that in Gaza.

The HRA had been informed that it is mandatory for the European Commission to submit its reply within three weeks, according to Executive Director, Babloo Loitongbam.