Communal Flare-Ups Possible In Manipur, Hint Intelligence Sources

Intelligence sources have hinted at a possible communal flare-up as a spillover of the blockade and counter-blockade that has affected Manipur since 1 November, officials said on Thursday (1 December).

The United Naga Council (UNC) called for an indefinite economic blockade in Manipur as it believes the government is going ahead with the creation of two districts, Jiribam and Sadar Hills, to be carved out of Imphal East and Senapati districts respectively.

Since 1971, the Naga groups have been opposing the creation of the proposed districts, saying "lands of the Nagas" would be included there.

During the blockade, the UNC activists set afire two trucks, two government offices in Tamenglong district and damaged several trucks which were being escorted towards state capital Imphal by armed personnel. There were perfunctory counter blockades as well. However, the counter blockade took an ugly turn since Wednesday with torching of various items.

With inputs from IANS