NET Web Desk
The indefinite economic blockade by All Tribal Students’ Union has brought Trucks and other commercial vehicles at a standstill. The blockade has been called for long-standing demand of the tribals for a discussion on the Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021.
Manipur came to a standstill as thousands of commercial vehicles were seen stranded along the mountain highways.
It may be mentioned that, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren, who had earlier held rounds of talks said that it was the Parliament and not the State Government the authority to take action on it.
In the meantime, civic authorities in Manipur are against this Bill. As per the civic bodies, “Manipur will be Balkanised and will help create a government within a government.”
On the other hand, the ATSUM has called for a total economic blockade in Manipur for 24 hours.
It may be mentioned that some other tribal bodies did not join the agitation because the state was limping back slowly to normality from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and further shutdowns are useless.
Meanwhile, the worst affected areas due to the blockade are Imphal Mao, the Imphal Moreh and the Imphal Jiribam highways which are considered to be the lifelines of Manipur as there are no train facilities.