Supply of essential commodities, including fuel, in

Manipur was severely hit after the council declared indefinite economic blockade on NH-2 (via Dimapur) and NH-37 (via Jiribam) -- the two lifelines for the state.

Asked whether the bifurcation of the districts was done with an eye on elections, he said, "No, it was not done for that purpose. It was done for better governance." On the allegations that the matter of creating new districts was not discussed with the Nagas, who are one of stakeholders, Haokip said, "The decision was taken in the state Cabinet and it has representation from every community." "Do you expect us to go to the polo ground and announce the decision?" he asked.

Haokip also refuted the allegations of BJP that Congress wanted this blockade to sustain so that it could gain from the anger of the people in valley.

"No government will ever do such thing. This is absolutely a baseless allegation," he said.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)