New Delhi, August 04 2010: As the United Naga Council has once again threatened to block the key Manipur-Nagaland road link, the Centre today informed Parliament that National Highway between the two States is open with trucks plying on it.

"Talks are going on, as we speak, both in Nagaland and Manipur, and I hope that the blockade on NH-39 will not be there and trucks will continue to ply," Home Minister P Chidamabaram told the Rajya Sabha.

The United Naga Council has already resumed its stir and a 20 day economic blockade has become into force from 6 am today.

The UNC has put up a number of demands to the Government of India, which include among others, 'demilitarisation' of Naga inhabited areas, instituting a Judicial Inquiry in the Mao Gate May 6 incident in which two students were killed in police action, withdrawal of the wanted tag attached to the leaders of the UNC and ANSAM.

The Home Minister said enough security forces have been positioned and strict instructions given that the trucks of the Food Corporation of India carrying foodgrains and of the oil companies carrying fuel would be plied on the highway.

"Actually, they have been plying until yesterday, they are plying today and we will ensure that these trucks use NH-39," he said during Question Hour.

He said the Govt was also prepared to provide security for convoys of private truckers who have complained about extortions.

Chidambaram said security has also been provided to trucks on NH-53 which remains open.

A crippling 68-day economic blockade of the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati highway (NH 39) and Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar highway (NH 53), called by the All-Naga Students Association, Manipur, had ended on June 18.Due to the blockade, prices of almost all essential commodities are still ruling high in the troubled North-Eastern States.

The Home Minister said Manipur Chief Minister called a meeting with all groups representing the hill districts but the UNC did not attend it.

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