Spt bodies suspend highway blockade

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 15 : The blockade imposed on National Highway-2 beyond Senapati District Headquarters by the frontal organisations of Senapati viz Naga People's Organisation (NPO), Senapati; Senapati District Women Association (SDWA) and Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) has been relaxed following an agreement with the Government today.
Notably, the restriction on the movement of all commercial  vehicles came into effect from November 2 against the persistent harassment and extortion by certain elements from the Meitei and Kuki communities since the onset of the ethnic clash in the State.
The blockade was called off after Senapati DC Mamoni Doley signed a memorandum of understanding with NPO  president H Kuba Peter, SDWA president RN Hanah and SDSA president A Saloni Tony with one of the terms of agreement being immediate measure to curb collection of illegal tax, extortion and other disturbances along NH-2.
In this regard, a meeting was held at the office chamber of  Senapati DC yesterday in the presence of Mao AC MLA L Dikho, Karong AC MLA J Kumo Shah, Senapati DC Mamoni Doley and representatives of  NPO, SDWA and SDSA.
The meeting discussed the charter of demands submitted to Chief Minister N Biren Singh by NPO, SDWA and SDSA on November 11 last.
The Government and the frontal organisations of Senapati agreed on taking punitive action against the perpetrators involved in harassing civilians and to compensate the victims and to take up immediate measures to curb collection of illegal tax, extortion and other disturbances along NH-2.
Notwithstanding the above agreements, the frontal organisations of Senapati district NPO, SDWA and SDSA registered their dissatisfaction with the Arambai Tenggol Unit-18's notice dated November 14 last.
NPO, SDWA and SDSA said that they will resume the restriction imposed on commercial vehicles if the Government fails to fulfil the assurances.