November 1, 2016: United Naga Council (UNC) calls for an indefinite economic blockade, cutting off regular movement of trucks on National Highways 2 and 37 — lifelines that pass through Naga villages — and along the 100-km Imphal-Moreh Road on the Trans Asian Highway No 1.
February 7, 2017: Tripartite talks to end the over three-month-long economic blockade of a crucial highway in Manipur fail to make any headway, as the Naga group spearheading it continues to oppose the proposed carving out of seven districts.
What has transpired in between — and still continues — is what these pictures are about. As the State goes to polls next month, the divide between the hills and the plains deepens. When the supply of essentials — petrol, food, medicines — is hit, every other poll-related issue (demonetisation, corruption, poor infrastructure, education and health) takes the backseat. Business is slow, supplies are drying up fast and there is no immediate relief in sight from the Centre.
Until then, Manipur has no choice but to wait in serpentine queues for petrol. Or buy the fuel in black at ₹100-150 per litre. While the local markets are surviving on local produce — fish, vegetables and grains grown in the hills and plains, among others — the consumer is paying twice the usual price. The supply of medicines is another concern, as the blockade shows no signs of an end.
Photos by Ritu Raj Konwar
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