New Delhi, August 22: With the 52 day-old economic blockade of Manipur by Naga students associations paralysing life in the State, the Supreme Court today issued notices to the Centre and the State Governments on a PIL seeking an early end to the hardships faced by the people of the State.

A Bench comprising Justice YK Sabharwal and Justice CK Thakker issued the notices on the PIL filed by Kh Jibon Singh alleging that the blockade had led to violation of the right to equality, life and free movement of the Manipuris.

It said the blockade, spearheaded by All Naga Student Association Manipur (ANSAM), has pushed the price of essential commodities like petrol, cooking gas and kerosene out of the reach of common man.

The ANSAM had called the blockade to protest the Manipur Government declaring June 18, every year as 'Integrity Day' in memory of Manipuris killed in 2001, when the Centre extended the area of ceasefire with the NSCN beyond Nagaland.

The ANSAM leadership, which had called the 'economic blockade' since June 20, have said the declaration of June 18 as 'Integrity Day' was against the move for integration of Nagas.

The petitioner said Manipur was connected to the rest of the country by NH-39, which has been blocked, and the other road NH-53 had not been secured by the security forces in addition to it being non-motorable in many parts.-PTI.

Our Staff Reporter adds: The Supreme Court's notice came even as the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur has threatened to re-impose the non-cooperation movement decrying the attitude of the State Government.

The student body had earlier informed the press that its members have been asked to be on the ready to re-impose the agitation along the two National Highways, NH-39 and NH-53.