Manipur has been facing acute scarcity of essentials owing to the indefinite economic blockade on the two National Highways--39 and 53--since April 11, called by the All Naga Students Union Manipur (ANSAM), protesting holding of Autonomous District Council elections in hill areas.
Trucks were lined up on the highway and taken towards Jiribam under escort. About 200 Imphal-bound goods laden trucks were also stranded at Jiribam and the government was trying to bring them in.
The economic blockade had affected work in most hospitals, while educational institutes were closed owing to non availability of petroleum products. Prices of essentials had sky rocketed.