Hundreds of heavy vehicles ferrying essential commodities were stranded along National Highway-2 in Kangpokpi district area, as the indefinite economic blockade imposed by the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) in all hill areas of the state began at 6 am Friday.
The ATSUM announced the economic blockade right after its extended total shutdown ended at 6 am Friday. The economic blockade, according to the student body, will continue till their demand is met. It has been supported by various tribal bodies in the hill districts.
Also Read: ATSUM extends shutdown; to impose indefinite economic blockade in Manipur hill areas
In Kangpokpi district, several tribal bodies spearheaded by ATSUM's federating unit, KSO Sadar Hills enforced the economic blockade along the NH-2.
As many as 80-90 trucks ferrying essential commodities were seen stranded along the NH-2 at T Khullen village in Kangpokpi district while another 20-30 trucks were seen stranded in the old taxation check post at Hengbung village.
Also Read: ATSUM shutdown: Police vehicle set ablaze in Ukhrul
Some trucks were already stranded for three days since the ATSUM imposed emergency shutdown following the arrest of ATSUM leaders along with its members by the Manipur Police on August 2.
However, schools, markets, and offices are seen returning to normal functioning since Friday morning after the extended total shutdown culminated at 6 am Friday, while normal traffic resumed except for loaded heavy trucks.
Empty trucks were seen moving along the highway without any disruption.
Despite the report of the ATSUM decision to picket government's offices, no incident of office picketing has been witnessed in Kangpokpi district.
Also Read: Tribal students hold protest, demand release of arrested ATSUM leaders in Imphal
Meanwhile, ATSUM, KSO general headquarters, and ANSAM strongly condemned the locking of the ATSUM office at Imphal near Adimjati allegedly by Meitei Leepun while terming the act as a reflection of the true colour of the present government.
All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM)'s general secretary AC Thotso, said that the unwarranted locking of the ATSUM office by the ‘Meitei Leepun’ is unfortunate and it is considered as a direct challenge to the tribal people of Manipur.
He continued that the demand of ATSUM is not against any community in the state but the constitutional rights of the tribal communities enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
