Shillong, June 04 2010: In a strong message, the Government today said its patience was running out and the organisations enforcing the indefinite highway blockade in Manipur will be dealt with firmly.

"The government's patience is running out.

We have to come down with a hard hand on those who are doing this blockade," Union Home Secretary GK Pillai told reporters here.

He said the "consequence of the action will be on these organisations".

On April 12, the All-Naga Students' Association of Manipur (ANSAM) had begun the blockade to oppose Manipur's decision to hold Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections in tribal-dominated hill districts.

It claimed that the ADC Act "suppresses tribal rights".

Later, Nagas intensified the blockade after Manipur did not allow NSCN-IM 'general secretary' Thuingaleng Muivah to visit his native village of Somdal in state's Ukhrul district.

Following this, all communitiesMeiteis, Kukis, Paites and Nagasstarted facing a shortage of essential commodities.

The blockade, which began over 50 days ago, has caused immense hardship to the people of Manipur with essential commodities, life saving drugs and fuel becoming scarce.

"I think the organisations should call it (blockade) off.

This blockade is totally illegal which has to stop," Pillai said.

He said the Centre has made an appeal to the chief ministers of Nagaland and Manipur to talk with the groups and ensure that the blockade is removed at the earliest.