Against the killing of two Naga protestors in police firing at Ukhrul town on August 30, the UNC had called its indefinite ban on vehicular traffic on all highways in Manipur's "Naga areas" from September 4.
The UNC, which is also demanding an alternative arrangement (AA) for the Nagas in Manipur outside the state government, has also lifted its indefinite ban on constructions of all national projects.
"Following a presidential council meeting convened at Senapati district headquarters this morning, we have decided to lift the stir," a key leader of the UNC told TOI on Thursday morning.
The decision was taken in view of the Centre's intervention into the current issue, he said, while pointing that Union home ministry's special secretary Prakash Mishra, who rushed to Imphal, had a meeting with the UNC leaders.
"The outcome of the meeting with the central official was positive," he said and added that the hardship faced by the people owing to the blockade was also taken into account during the meeting organized by the UNC.
In his Manipur stint, Mishra also brought a letter from the home ministry with reference to a recent memorandum sent by the UNC to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Governor VK Duggal, chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and deputy CM Gaikhangam had already discussed about the UNC blockade with Union home minister Rajnath Singh.
Owing to the UNC blockade, people were forced to pay Rs 130 for a litre of petrol in the grey market even as the government conducted rationing of fuel at a few outlets on daily basis. Prices of almost all vegetable items had also soared considerably.
"This is great news. When there is no blockade, there will be no price hike and my family budget would be improved. Thank God", quipped Romesh Singh, an Imphal resident.
Over 500 trucks, which were stranded at various parts of Assam and Nagaland owing to the blockade, are likely to enter land-locked Manipur on Thursday. They are loaded with fuel, life saving drugs and food items.
Source: Times of India
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