4 lives, properties worth Rs.245.64 cr lost during blockade
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 01 2011:
Inclusive of government buildings and private vehicles, properties worth Rs 245.64 crores are estimated to have been lost during the course of indefinite economic blockade imposed by Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) over its demand for upgradation of Sadar hills to a full-fledged revenue district.
The agitation also claimed the lives of four people including three women.
The SHDDC began its economic blockade on August 1 last and lifted it last night (October 31) after 92 days following signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state government.
According to government report, the state exchequer suffered a loss of Rs 2.57 crores every day during the course of the economic blockade.
Moreover, around 20 government offices and around 45 private vehicles have been set on fire by the blockade supporters.
Three women also lost their lives when a truck, which reportedly went out of control following attack by blockade supporters, rammed into them while a truck driver was beaten to death.
Many people also sustained injuries and scores of vehicles suffered extensive damage in stone attacks of the blockade supporters.
Prolonged imposition of economic blockade had also created a humanitarian crisis following shortage of essential commodities including petroleum products.
Meanwhile, United Naga Council (UNC) which has resorted to a counter blockade along the National Highways passing through the state since August 21 has announced its decision of continuing the stir.
In fact, not happy over the MoU signed between the government and SHDDC yesterday, UNC has announced 72-hour general strike in Naga inhabited areas with effect from midnight of November 3 .