Kolkata, August 19: The Centre is planning an alternative route to Imphal because of frequent disruptions on the National Highway which passes through Nagaland and Naga-dominated areas of Manipur, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said today.

"We are working on an alternative route to Manipur, though many political questions are involved," Mukherjee told reporters here.

For this a number of fragile river bridges would have to be strengthened, he said.

The Centre's decision is in.

view of the recent prolonged blockade of NH 39 by All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) in protest against Manipur Government's decision to declare June 18 as Integrity Day.

Manipur witnessed a serious shortage of essential commodities including petrol and cooking gas following the blockade which had begun on June 20.