Blockade-hit Manipur to have low-key Xmas

IMPHAL: Under siege for what will soon be two months, Manipur is not in festive spirits as the tension following the United Naga Council (UNC)-sponsored blockade does not seem to be subsiding yet.
Nearly 35% of the state's population are tribals belonging to Naga and Kuki-Chin groups - a majority of these tribals are Christians and live in the 10 hill districts.Because of the economic blockade in the hills and the counter-blockade in the valley, many tribals did not come to Imphal for Christmas shopping out of fear.
"As we are not in a position to do our Christmas shopping, the celebrations at our church are low-key," said Peter Maram, a Christian from Senapati town. "Our celebrations would continue till December 28 at our church in Katomai every year. This time, we will celebrate Christmas only till December 26. Demonetization has not helped matters either," he added.
The situation is similar across most hill districts and the Imphal Valley, with most churches cutting down celebrations by one or two days. Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh has been appealing for peace and has asked the people to shun violence and enjoy Christmas.
In the meantime, chief of Army staff General Dalbir Singh Suhag visited Manipur. The General landed at an Army unit in Bishenpur district in a helicopter, where top military commanders briefed him about the situation. After taking note of the accounts, he flew off to Nagaland.
His visit comes after the recent string of attacks on Manipur Police convoys in Naga-inhabited areas by NSCN (IM) rebels. Three policemen were killed and 13 others injured in these attacks. Sources also linked his visit to his impending farewell, as Army chief designate Lt General Bipin Rawat is ready to succeed him.
His visit came a day after Union MoS for home Kiren Rijiju's visit to Imphal, to assess the security situation in the state. Rijiju had assured the state of help from the Centre in ensuring that essential commodities reach the people.
"Though law and order is a state subject, there has been no instance in which the Centre has not come forward to assist the state government," Rijiju said.
On Friday midnight, 500 empty trucks had left Imphal for Jiribam with heavy security cover reached Jiribam, bordering Assam, safely. The security convoy will escort back 600 goods-laden trucks and oil tankers, which are now stranded at Jiribam due to the blockade, on Monday or Tuesday.