Imphal, June 16, 2010: Observing that the economic blockade along the National Highways-39 and 53 for about two months has negated the most precious fundamental rights, that is right to life of the people in Manipur, the Gauhati High Court has directed the State as well as the Central Government to take steps towards removing the blockade without any delay.

In a ruling passed by its division bench comprising Justice Maibam BK Singh and Justice Mutum BK Singh, the Court observed that there is the need of taking up some positive steps so that the economic blockade is removed immediately and that there is free flow of traffic on both the National Highways without any delay.

Due to the economic blockade lasting for about two months, one of the most fundamental rights, Right to Life has become meaningless to the people of this State.

The Court passed the ruling after examining the affidavits submitted by the Government Advocate on the steps taken up by the State police in connection with an earlier Court directive to arrest acting president of ANSAM David Chro and acting president of UNC Samson Remei and measures being taken up by the State respondents on removing the economic blockade to ensure free flow of traffic along the National Highways.