Imphal, June 05 2010: The Manipur People's Party (MPP) has decided to launch a fast unto death agitation against the prolonged illegal highway blockade.

The party has also demanded that NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah who has been holding up just beyond the border of Manipur should be taken away.

Speaking to media persons at their office today, MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang said that different pressing issues including the continuing highway blockade were deliberated at length during the party's working committee held today.

The meeting resolved that the highway blockade should be lifted at once.

Muivah should go back instead of hovering in the border areas of Manipur and NSCN-IM cadres should be allowed to operate in Manipur.

On account of the highway blockade which has completed 53 days, there has been acute shortage of diesel thereby seriously impeding agricultural activities.

Cautioning that this may result in artificial famine next year, the MPP president that the party would launch a fast unto death campaign from June 7 as a part of the party's movements to secure opening of both the highways.

MPP legislature wing leader O Joy observed that such prolonged blockades on national highways was unheard of in any other part of the world.

He also questioned the inaction of the Central Govt and the State Govt against this illegal blockade.

Appreciating the statement of the Union Home Secretary GK Pillai that the blockade has outstretched patience of the Govt and that strong actions would be initiated against it, Joy, however, condemned the attitude of the New Delhi which seemed more inclined towards the NSCN-IM than the people of Manipur.

Asserting that Muivah's persistent attempt to visit Manipur has a nefarious intention, Joy said that it would be prudent on the part of Muivah to abort his trip as advised by New Delhi .