Goods pulled down in counter blockade at Khumbong
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 30 2016: A large number of people belonging to Khumbong and its surrounding localities imposed counter economic blockade along Imphal-Jiribam highway from early morning today in protest against the United Naga Council's ongoing indefinite economic blockade.

The counter economic blockade started from early morning as women vegetable vendors from hill areas who came to sell their vegetables were asked not to sell their goods.

The local people requested the women vendors to turn back and the vendors were sent back along with their belongings.

Soon after, all the vehicles including a private vehicle heading for the hill districts were checked to see if they were carrying edible items and other commodities on commercial scale.

Goods pulled down in counter blockade at Khumbong

Whatever edible items found inside the vehicles were pulled down and scattered in the middle of the road at Khumbong Bazar.

Other items which were found being transported for commercial purpose were also set on fire at Khumbong Bazar.

One aged woman said that the counter economic blockade was not against any particular community but rather against the ongoing economic blockade imposed by UNC on the two National Highways connected to the State.

She also mentioned that destroying essential commodities which were brought along Imphal-Jiribam highway yesterday at Noney was highly condemnable.

The economic blockade supporters not only destroyed the goods but also broke the wind shields of many trucks, deflated tyres and also manhandled truck drivers who were serving the people of the State, she said.

She also said that the counter economic blockade would continue until and unless the UNC's economic blockade is lifted.

The woman further said that the UNC should call off the economic blockade immediately and the State Government should also take up necessary steps to resolve the issue.

Soon after the counter economic blockade was imposed, a team of Patsoi police station came to the spot and tried to intervene.

Soon after, a team of Imphal West District Police led by DSP (Imphal West Commando) too arrived at the scene and ensured that no untoward incident broke out.

A team of Patsoi police station diverted all goods carrying vehicles coming along the road to other alternative roads before reaching Khumbong in between Patsoi and Khumbong.