The more than 100-day Manipur blockade has finally come to an end but was it actually an artificial crisis.
Perhaps the most severe impact of the blockade was visible in the queues outsides petrol pumps. As the State Government began rationing petrol, the supply at the pumps was limited leaving the people no choice but to wait in agonizingly long queues, often overnight for a small amount of fuel.
General Manager of North East for Indian Oil Corp, Priobhash Dey and his deputy K.I Singh, told us how the IOC's petrol supply to the state has not dwindled in the last few months of the blockade. It is only diesel whose supplies have seen a big hit.
The price of petrol sold at all pumps is the normal market price. It is in the black market where the prices are more than double.
The bustling market in central Imphal too did not seem affected by the blockade. By the middle of November most food items and vegetables were available at regular prices.
Chief Minister Ibobi Singh, under fire for not taking action, denied charges that the blockade was being used for political gains.
On NH 39, the blockade was being enforced by a small team of Naga women and boys. They checked all passenger buses and confiscated any goods being smuggled like these gas cylinders.
On road near the Naga area of Senapati, we found a burnt truck allegedly carrying petrol trying to sneak into Imphal through a circuitous way, which was caught and promptly set ablaze.
S. Milan of the United Naga Council (UNC) stated that the Government should have consulted the Nagas before taking a stand on the SADAR Hills which he claims is the ancestral home of the Nagas.
The UNC, the apex body of the Nagas of Manipur, claims they have formally severed ties to the state and have been demanding an alternative arrangement, the signs of which are all around in Senapati town.
In protest that their demands are not being recognised, a curfew is imposed in Senapati everyday at noon for an hour, once again by a handful of young boys.
