Imphal, July 16: A seven member delegate of the State CPI (M) met Governor SS Sidhu yesterday and urged him to do something to clear the two National Highways, which have been closed to goods vehicles ever since ANSAM launched its economic blockade from June 19.The CPI (M) team led by its general secretary Y Mohendra also a submitted memorandum to the Governor, highlighting the suffering of the people, particularly the people living in the hill and interior parts of the State due to the economic blockade.

Addressing newsmen today, Mohendra said that the Governor assured that all possible action is being taken up to clear the highway and quoted Dr Sidhu as stating that keeping the highways safe and free from any blockade is the Constitutional duty of the Union Government.

�The Governor said that the Govt of Nagaland is presently escorting the goods laden trucks from Dimapur upto Mao and security escort is provided by the State Govt from Mao to Imphal,� said Mohendra adding that Dr Sidhualso informed that NH-53 will be opened to traffic within a week's time.

Towards this end, the Governor informed that hectic preparation is on to clear the stretch between Makru and Nungba.

�When we suggested that some projects be taken up with an eye on the future and on some long term basis, the Governor said that at the moment the Jiri-Tupul line is being taken up under the National Project.

Dr Sidhu also informed that a rail line connecting Imphal to Moreh is also on the anvil,� informed Mohendra.

The cost of laying the rail line will come straight from the budget of the Union Government and not from the Railway Ministry.

At the moment, the survey work for laying the rail line has been finalised and already a sum of Rs 70/80 crores has been released for the said purpose, Sidhu informed the team.

During the meeting, the Governor assured the CPI (M) team that developmental works will be taken up irrespective of the activities of militants or not, informed Mohendra.