Govt. firmly committed to maintain rule of law in Manipur: MHA

New Delhi [India], Dec. 12 (ANI): The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a statement released on Monday, has assured of the government's commitment towards maintaining rule of law in Manipur, in view of the ongoing blockade on National Highway (NH) 37 and the shortage of essential commodities consequently faced by the people. "It considers blockades anywhere in India a gross violation of law and a crime against humanity causing untold suffering to countless humans. No individual or organisation will be allowed to take the law into their own hands," read a ministry statement. The government has ensured that routes to Manipur remain open and supplies of petroleum products and essential commodities such as food items remain accessible to people there. Last week, 15 companies of central forces were made available to the state government to enable them to get the blockade lifted, in addition to 15 more already stationed in the state. The MHA has shown its hope in state government to act responsibly and ensure social harmony in Manipur. "It is hoped that the state government will act with responsibility and maturity to ensure both maintenance of supplies to Manipur as well as social harmony. MHA will provide additional forces to the state government if necessary," read the statement. The government, in the letter, has also appealed to the United Naga Council (UGC) to remove its illegal blockade seeing the difficulties people of Manipur are facing. It also urged for a peaceful settlement. "All contentious issues need to be settled peacefully by democratic and lawful means," the letter read. (ANI)