Imphal, July 23: Denouncing imposition of indefinite economic blockade along the National Highways as 'negation of right to life of the people guaranteed under the Constitution of India', Senior Citizens of Society has pointed out that it is the constitutional duty of the Union Govt to keep the Highways safe and free from any blockade.

In a statement Society general secretary L Sadananda Singh observed that the indefinite economic blockade imposed by ANSAM on NH-39 and 53, the two lifelines of Manipur for the last one month has caused great hardship to the people of Manipur, the hardest hit being the 'Have-nots' who earn their daily bread by the sweat of their labour.

The fast dwindling stock of essential items of food and other goods including life saving drugs is posing serious threat to the existence of the people while the prices of essential goods available in the market have skyrocketed as the black marketeers and profiteers are exploiting the situation for their selfish ends, Sadananda said while appealing to the Union Govt to discharge its duty and ensure regular supply of essential goods to the people.

The Senior Citizens further decried the unscrupulous practice of selling essential goods at exorbitant prices by the black-marketeers and profiteers during such hard time as a crime against the people.

Therefore, the Govt of Manipur should not remain a silent spectator to the daylight robbery and take all necessary actions to check this evil practice.