Imphal, January 02 2008: In response to the warning of the Deputy Commissioner of the district, the Naga People's Organization (NPO), Senapati which has been imposing an indefinite economic blockade along National Highway 39 demanding transfer of the Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Kesherwani, has intensified its stir.

However, 115 goods trucks including 41 oil tankers and 25 LPG carriers, which were stranded at Mao bordering Nagaland owing to the blockade, were escorted to Imphal safely by the police today.

NPO has charged the Deputy Commissioner with misappropriation of fund released for infrastructure development in the hill areas and neglecting developmental works of Senapati disrtict.

The Deputy Commissioner, however, rejected the charges saying that she has been discharging her duty under the prescribed guidelines and all developmental funds are being utilised smoothly.

The tribal body has stepped up its agitation after the lady officer on Monday said that NPO's stir had not led to any major economic blockade and the district administration has taken up enough measures for free flow of vehicles.

She had also warned of taking stern action against any person or organization hampering peace and tranquillity.

'In response to the DC's warning, we have intensified our stir', said NPO general secretary Simon Chawang, adding 'We have fanned out our volunteers belonging to five different Naga communities along NH-39 to effectively implement our economic blockade''.

Charging the lady officer with favouritism and nepotism in picking up her chosen men only in implementation of developmental projects, Chawang said NPO will continue its economic blockade until and unless the DC is removed from Senapati district. Plying of passenger buses, however, is exempted from the purview of the strike, he informed.

Incidentally a truck laden with electrical equipments for Govt Depts was torched by suspected strike supporters on Tuesday night near Makhan village along NH 39, the key supply route of trouble torn Manipur.

Police sources said the front portion of the truck coming towards Imphal was badly burnt.

An FIR case has been registered on the matter and a manhunt is on to pull the arsonists.

Security has also been beefed up along the route following the incident.

The Naga body had relaxed its agitation for three days recently in connection with Christmas celebration.

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