Imphal: In the latest chapter in the Naga-Manipuri standoff, Manipur has been facing an economic blockade for the last fortnight as militant Naga groups have attempted to stop the supply of goods into the state.
With the state being cut off from the rest of the country, life saving drugs are being airlifted in from Assam and other states while the economic blockade has kept essential items in short supply.
There's an acute shortage of fuel with petrol being sold at over Rs 150 a litre and LPG cylinders at Rs 1200 each. Union Home Secretary G K Pillai is scheduled to visit Manipur on Friday to take stock of the situation.
Naga women from Mao village had staged a massive protest on May 6, protesting state government's decision to bar separatist leader Thuingaleng Muivah from visiting his native village.
But a peaceful march descended into chaos. The Nagas allege the policemen posted at the border gate opened fire on them without warning. The Manipur police though claim that the Nagas started the violence that claimed lives of two people while dozens were injured.
At the heart of the latest conflict is the Centre's decision to allow Muivah to visit his village in Manipur. The Manipuris believe Muivah would use his visit to stake claim to a greater Nagaland, including parts of the state.
Muivah leads a Naga rebel group NSCN-IM and was scheduled to visit his native village after 40 years. He is currently camping near Kohima, Nagaland. Muivah is accused of engineering ethnic clashes in 1992-93 which claimed lives of 900 Kukis.
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