Why an LPG cylinder costs Rs 3,000 in Manipur: 10 points about the Naga-led economic blockade

A Naga-led economic blockade that has lasted more than 50 days has disrupted life in Manipur. Truckloads of supplies to Imphal have been stopped at NH 37 and NH 2, the two lifelines for the Imphal Valley. The price of essential commodities has skyrocketed: A litre of petrol sold for more than Rs 300 and an LPG cylinder for about Rs 3,000. Ethnic tensions have led to clashes, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju visited Imphal yesterday to take stock of the situation.

What sparked the violence? Here's an analysis, in 10 points.

1.

Frequent crises

Manipur frequently witnesses crises as a result of the politicisation of the ethnic differences between Nagas-Meiteis, and Nagas-Kukis.

While Nagas make up 20 per cent of the state's population, Meiteis (who are mostly Vaishnavites) account for 65 per cent, and Kuki-Chin groups account for 13 per cent.

2.

Two new districts proposed

In October, Manipur said it plans to create two districts - Jiribam (out of Imphal-East district) and Kangpokpi (out of Senapati district). Nagas call Senapati district their 'ancestral home.'

3.

Blockade begins

On November 1, the United Naga Council, the apex body of Manipur's Naga outfits, started an economic blockade of the Imphal Valley to oppose the move.

4.

Seven new districts

On December 8, the government announced the creation of seven new districts, five of which are dominated by Nagas, Kukis, Paites and other tribes, and the rest of which are Meitei-majority districts.

5.

Curfew in Imphal Valley

A curfew was imposed on December 18 following ethnic flare-ups in and around the Imphal Valley.

6.

Affected districts

As many as eight districts are affected by the blockade: Imphal-East, Imphal-West, Thoubal, Bishenpur (in the Imphal Valley), Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong (dominated by Nagas), and Churachandpur (dominated by Kukis). All roads joining the Imphal Valley to the rest of the country, including NH 37 and NH2, pass through Naga-dominated districts.

7.

Manipur asks Centre for additional security

The state government requested the Centre to provide additional security forces to ensure the unhindered supply of essential commodities. Supply vehicles are now being escorted by security through hill districts, to thwart attacks by those backing the blockade.

8.

Christmas celebrations could be affected

If the UNC doesn't relax the blockade, Christmas celebrations in all the hill districts - which are predominantly Christian - will be affected.

9.

The issue of Nagalim

The Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) wants Naga-dominated districts in the proposed Nagalim. But Meiteis are against this, since the hill districts of Manipur - part of the erstwhile Manipur kingdom - have historically been integral parts of Manipur.

10.

Nagas in Manipur politics

Manipur's Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam is a Naga. Two other Nagas, Reishang Keishing and Y Shaiza - who was shot dead by the NSCN (I-M), have served as Chief Ministers in the past