Around 200 vehicles, mostly trucks ferrying various essential commodities and construction materials, remained stranded along the National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) road on Sunday afternoon as the economic blockade called by the All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur (ATSUM) continues.
Earlier, security forces, including Kangpokpi police, had safely escorted more than a hundred stranded vehicles on the midnight of August 5.
However, many more vehicles were seen stranded along the Imphal-Dimapur road from T Khullen village to Mayangkhang Ningthoupham in Kangpokpi district on Sunday.
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One of the stranded drivers at Mayangkhang Ningthoupham told the media that some of them here have been stranded for two days and some for a day while adding the biggest problem was going for nature’s call as there are no proper places.
If we remain stranded for longer, we will be facing many more difficulties, the driver added.
Another driver expressed shock and said it was his first time encountering such a situation while adding that he is worried as to when they will reach their destination safe and sound.
ATSUM began its economic blockade right after its extended total shutdown from 6 am on August 5 with a firm statement that the economic blockade will continue till their demands are met.
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The tribal student apex body agitation was endorsed and supported by various tribal bodies in the hill districts.
Meanwhile, ATSUM has called for an emergency consultative meeting of all tribal civil society organization leaders and concerned tribal men from all walks of life in the state on August 8 at Senapati District Headquarters.
According to the student body circular, the meeting has been convened in consonance to the meeting of its executives and senior leaders, ANSAM and KSO-GHQ regarding the Manipur (Hill Areas) ADC Bill imbroglio.
Ahead of the proposed emergency consultative meeting, the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) chairman Dinganglung Gangmei had invited ATSUM for discussion to resolve the current issues regarding Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Bills on Sunday at 11 am at the residence of TA & Hills Minister Letpao Haokip.
As per reports, the meeting was underway till the filing of this report.
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Meanwhile, the Branch in-charge of TSA Sadar Hills, as viral on social media, has appealed to the valley people not to disturb/block/attack any Thadou brethren passing through their area more particularly along the Imphal-Dimapur road.
It clarified that the Thadous are not a part of ATSUM's band and economic blockade.
It also ensured every safety measure in any vehicle movement within Kangpokpi district and advised all to refrain from any types of unlawful activities along the National Highway-2.
It also provided TSA helpline No. 7005443525 in case of any emergency.
