CPI-M seeks central intervention in Manipur over Naga blockade

AGARTALA - The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Tuesday demanded central intervention to end the ongoing crisis in Manipur arising out of the state government’s decision not to allow the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) leader Thuingaleng Muivah to visit his birthplace in the state.

“Immediate central intervention is required and the state and centre should jointly deal with the situation in Manipur,” CPI-M central committee member Bijon Dhar told reporters here.

He said: “Peace talks between the centre and both factions of NSCN must continue. Any hasty step should not be taken to jeopardise the crucial peace process.”

“The Congress and its ally Trinamool Congress have been demanding President’s Rule in West Bengal. Why are they silent with regard to Manipur,” the Left leader asked.

The CPI-M urged that all concerned should sit together to end the crisis which, according to the Left party, is severely affecting the common man.

The land-locked northeastern state of Manipur is reeling under unprecedented crisis of all essentials, baby food, life saving drugs and transport fuel following an indefinite economic blockade enforced by various Naga tribal groups since May 6 to protest the Manipur government’s decision not to allow Thuingaleng Muivah to visit his birth place in Somdal village in Ukhrul district.

Mountainous Manipur depends on supplies from outside and trucks carrying essentials and other goods from the rest of India use the national highways passing through Nagaland. The Naga tribal groups put up blockades on both the highways, the lifelines of Manipur.

The Manipur government has banned the entry of Muivah to his birthplace, saying it could lead to ethnic unrest in the state.

The 75-year-old Muivah, a Tangkhul Naga from Manipur, was born in Somdal village, 100 km north of capital Imphal in Ukhrul district, and had last visited his birthplace in 1960.