Manipur blockade: Curfew relaxed temporarily till 9 p.m. today

Imphal [India], Dec. 23 (ANI): The current tense situation in Manipur showed signs of improvement as the curfew has been relaxed from 4.00 am to 9.00 pm today at Imphal East District, in the wake of the United Naga Council (UNC) blockade. However curfew will continue without any relaxation on the whole road stretch from Lamlong to Yaingangpokpi and areas lying within 300 metres on either side of the road. The curfew also continues without any relaxation on the Pangei - Saikul road from Lamlong bridge to Pangei areas lying within 300 metres on either side of the road. Earlier, expressing concern over the long blockade of a highway connecting Manipur, the Home Ministry on Thursday rapped the state government for "failing" to discharge its "constitutional" duties as it has been unable to ensure smooth flow of traffic on the road despite repeated requests. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also told Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang to ensure that there is no disturbance in movement of vehicle going through his state as there have been reports of Naga Students Federation calling blockade of vehicles in Nagaland. Passing a stern message to Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Rajnath said there has been extremely distressing situation caused by the continuous blockade of National Highway-2, which has caused an acute shortage of essential and other goods in Manipur. Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju is set visit Manipur to take stock of the situation. (ANI)