Imphal, August 04: An open discussion on the ongoing �Economic Blockade� was held under the aegis of Manipur University Students� Union (MUSU) at the students� home of the University today.

Dean of Social Sciences of Manipur University Prof N Joykumar Singh presided over the session and Dean of Students� Welfare of the University, Professor W Nandakumar Singh was the moderator.

Prof Ksh Bomola Devi also occupied the dias.

Taking part in the discussion, DESAM president L Romel observed that the present crisis has come about due to lack of unity among the people of various communities living in the State.

So it is time for the people to come together and work out a resolution to end the impasse so that peace and normalcy may return, he said.

UCM organisation secretary Yumnamcha Dillipkumar maintained that it is becoming clear to all the people that the present crisis has nothing to do with the declaration of State Holiday on June 18 but more so with the issue of Naga integration at the behest of some vested interested persons.

Whatever, might be the reason, the State Government should not concede to the demand for revoking the June 18 declaration, he stated firmly and called upon the people to re-affirm their pledge to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.

UPF president Y Devadutta maintained that �AFSPA� and �Economic Blockade� are two faces of the same coin, and are part of the ethnic cleansing policies being pursued by the Government of India.

Sharing his observations as the moderator of the discussion session, Prof Nandakumar said all the speakers were unanimous on the point that ongoing economic blockade of ANSAM has taught a lesson to the people of Manipur.

While observing that hill and valley are the two entities of the State of Manipur, Prof Nandakumar noted that understanding the differences and one�s limitation would help in cementing the bond among the people of the State.

Explaining the meaning of �Economic Blockade�, Prof Nabakumar pointed out it to stop the supply goods by an affluent State to a less affluent.