Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, August 11:
Over 250 goods carriers bound for Imphal have been stranded at various points along National Highway 39 after Naga organisations protesting against the Centre�s decision to review the June 14 Bangkok agreement re-imposed an economic blockade along the highway.
While the economic blockade called by the Naga Youth Front, Senapati was due to begin from 6 pm today, volunteers at Mao gate blocked incoming goods vehicles from proceeding further from this morning itself.
Passenger vehicles were allowed through, but only after goods carried in these vehicles were forcibly offloaded.
Around 150 loaded trucks are reported to be stranded at Khuzuma, Pipema and Zakhama area of Nagaland, while another 100 or so have been halted between Kharkhati in Assam and Dimapur by blockade supporters.
According to sources, a number of goods vehicles tried to cross the Mao gate this morning , on the understanding that the economic blockade called by the NYF, Senapati would begin only form 6 pm, but they were stopped from proceeding by local volunteers.
Passenger buses were checked for essential commodities and other goods before being let through.
Apparently, according to sources, there was a misunderstanding between the NYF and the local volunteers over the blockade timing.
On the other hand, it is learnt that another organisation, the Mao Integrated Development Association, had called another indefinite bandh along the highway from yesterday evening itself.
In addition, blockade supporters blocked several Imphal- bound vehicles coming from Dimapur at various points between Kohima and Khuzuma.
While the trucks were not allowed to proceed, passenger vehicles were let through after forcibly offloading essential commodities and other goods carried in the, including food grains and betel leaf.
It is also reported that he vehicles stranded between Kharkati and Dimapur owing to the blockade include oil tankers and goods carriers.
In the meantime, six trucks coming from Imphal this morning were reportedly stoned and their windshields smashed this afternoon at Mao by blockade supporters.
Most passenger vehicles from Imphal, as well as empty goods trucks, were however let through without hindrance.