UNC lifts ban on NH blockade, national projects in Manipur

People in Manipur finally heaved a sigh of relief after the United Naga Council (UNC) lifted the indefinite ban on National Highway blockade and national projects in the Naga inhabited areas yesterday.

The United Naga Council (UNC) lifted its indefinite ban on all construction works on the national projects and on vehicular traffic on highways after a week-long imposition.

The ban was imposed by the UNC on the morning of September 4 against the killing of two protestors during a mass rally in Ukhrul last month.

The decision was taken during an emergency Presidential Council Meeting in 'reciprocation of the intervention of the Centre government and to create a conducive atmosphere for taking forward the Indo-Naga peace process.'

An emergency meeting was called yesterday where the Naga Tribe presidents, Naga frontal organisations and district organisations deliberated on the Centre's request for review of the indefinite ban on all construction works of National projects and ban on vehicular traffic on highways, which was being enforced to demand the Government of India's intervention on the situation of the Nagas in Manipur.

The people, who have been stranded from a week at Imphal, were seen getting at the inter-state bus service ticket counters to purchase tickets for going outside the state.