Manipur seeks Christian help to end blockade

(May 18,2010) The Manipur state government has sought the help of Christian leaders to end a month-old road blockade that has cut off supplies of food, medicine and other essentials to the eastern Indian state. Naga tribal groups in Manipur and neighboring Nagaland state have since April 11 blocked two national highways to land-locked Manipur. The government on Monday sent a nine-member delegation of the All Manipur Christian Organization, an ecumenical body in Manipur, to Nagaland, to discuss with Naga groups to find a way out of the impasse.
The economic blockade was to protest Manipur state’s refusal to allow Naga separatist leader Thuingaleng Muivah to visit his birthplace there. Muivah is among leaders demanding a greater Naga homeland comprising Nagaland and parts of Manipur where Naga people live. Manipur government spokesperson N. Biren Singh said the Church delegation is expected to appeal to the All Naga Students Association and the United Naga Council, to call off the indefinite blockade. Manipur Chief Minster Ibobi Singh is hoping that the Church leaders in Manipur and Nagaland, will be able to convince Naga leaders to lift the economic blockade. Bishop Dominic Lumon, who is based in the Manipur capital Imphal, has asked parishes to conduct prayers for peace.