Imphal, November 28
The indefinite economic blockade in Manipur that entered its 121st day today has been temporarily withdrawn, said a leader of the United Naga Council (UNC) spearheading the agitation.

The decision to lift the blockade comes ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s day-long visit to Manipur on December 3 where he is scheduled to launch and inaugurate several development projects. The Prime Minister is also expected to address a public meeting.

“We have decided to temporarily lift the blockade on the two national highways from 6 am tomorrow,” UNC president Loli Adani said at a public meeting at the Naga-dominated Tamenglong district of Manipur.

The UNC is spearheading the blockade on the two national highways since August 21 to counter the economic blockade launched by the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee on August 1 demanding conversion of the Kuki tribal majority Sadar Hills area into a full-fledged district. — IANS