IMPHAL, June 23: The first day of the indefinite economic blockade imposed along the national highways by the All Tribal students`™ Union Manipur (ATSUM) Muan Tombing group affected vehicular traffic along the Imphal-Moreh section of NH 102 today, even as another group, the Meitei Youth Front South East Asia, called a similar indefinite counter blockade starting June 23 midnight.
Volunteers of the ATSUM were seen enforcing the blockade along the Imphal-Moreh stretch of the highway near Thamlapokpi Village in Chandel district pulling down essential commodities found inside vehicles.
Volunteers also vandalized the windshield of a Maruti Van bearing registration no WB 06E 2009 coming from the Moreh side towards Imphal after an altercation broke out between the occupants of the vehicle and the volunteers, informed sources.
Meanwhile, speaking to media persons, ATSUM Muan Tombing Finance secretary SR Andria said the student body was compelled to enforce the indefinite economic blockade as the State government failed to concede the long pending Charter of Demands of the union even after serving an ultimatum.
Expressing regret over vandalizing some vehicles during the blockade, he also maintained that it is very unfortunate as some passengers and transporters did not comply with the economic blockade which was informed and published in local media in advance.
While appealing the public and transporters to co-operate during the blockade, the Student`™s leader also warned that we will intensify our agitation including imposing total bandh along National Highways, if the State Government did not response positively at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the Meitei Youth Front South East Asia announced an indefinite counter blockade from the midnight of June 23, against the indefinite economic blockade.
Speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club today, president Mangal said the inconveniences faced by the public during such indefinite blockades along the highways is immense.
He said the counter blockade will be withdrawn only when the economic blockade is withdrawn.
He continued all flow of goods and vehicle mobility to Churachandpur, Senapati, Moreh, Keithelmanbi and Kanchup will be ceased.
We support the counter blockade..and also it is quite a good decision to cease all the flow of goods and vehicle mobility from Imphal to other districts of Manipur.