Imphal, Sep.26 (ANI): It has been over 45 days since the campaign for the creation of a separate Sadar Hills District began, and with sign in sight of it ending, the state's economic losses are reportedly mounting.
Agitators camping on National Highways 39 and 53, have not only dug up these two prominent routes leading into the state, but have also attacked trucks and tankers carrying essential fuel, groceries, food grains and medicines.
Commercial vehicles moving towards Manipur capital Imphal have been torched on several occasions.
As a result, tens of hundreds of trucks are either stranded or are being escorted into the city under security cover.
The state is facing an acute shortage of essential items.
Experts warn that if the blockade continues, there will be a decline in per capita income and a delay in achieving the goals of Vision 2020.
The blockade, till now, has resulted in a loss of over Rs.254 crore at Rs.4 crore per day.
Amar Yumnam, a professor at Manipur University, said: "During the last one month, our state's economy has slowed down by one percent. The price of commodities is rising and some people here are taking advantage of this situation. The profit these people earn in six months, with this blockade they have amassed in one month. And, this is not a positive growth for the state."
Another professor, N. Mohendro Singh, said: "In this situation, the preparation of the 12th Five-Year Plan will be very difficult. It will be a very important phase for us as during this period we need to achieve thirteen percent growth against nine percent. How can we achieve this in this situation, which is dictated and vitiated by the blockaders?"
People are bearing the brunt of increasing prices of various commodities.
Petrol costs Rs.150 per litre, a cooking gas cylinder between Rs.1200 and Rs.1500, and, many grocery products are out of stock.
The monthly budgets of most families have taken a hit and poor people are the worst affected.
Rickshaw driver Zalaluddin said: "Now, we are not getting groceries. Even if we want to buy, it is very costly and not available."
Ajay Jain, a grocery shop owner, said: "Most of the grocery items are not available at normal prices. They are available at high prices and that too supply is limited."
The Sadar Hills District Demand Committee is asking for full-fledged district status and its removal from the purview of Senapati District.
They have been protesting since August 1. Opposing Naga bodies under the aegis of United Naga Council launched a counter blockade on August 22.
These twin blockades are making the people of Manipur and particularly those living in Imphal suffer. (ANI)
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