Naga blockade hits construction works in Manipur

Imphal: A month-long blockade of two key highways in Manipur by a Naga group has hit construction works in the state, it has been reported.

The prominent United Naga Council (UNC) had called for the blockade of the National Highways No.2 and No.53 on November 1 to protest against the state's move to create two new districts of Sadar Hills and Jiribam.

The NSCN-IM is currently holding negotiations with the Centre.

The UNC has accused the Ibobi Singh government of not consulting Nagas, who inhabit the areas, before deciding to upgrade them as districts.

Various construction works, including the construction of checkposts near the border with Myanmar, have been stopped because of the blockade.

State officials said that the prices of building materials have almost doubled due to the drop in supplies.

The Nagas also have been demanding that they no longer want to stay "under the communal government of Ibobi".