Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 30:
Following an agreement between representatives of State Government and Senapati District Students' Association, the indefinite economic blockade enforced by the student body along Imphal-Dimapar National Highway 39 has been suspended.
According to a source a deal was struck after nearly two hours of deliberations, wherein it was agreed that Government would revoke its earlier order pertaining to recruitment of under-graduate teachers.
As per the new agreement, enrolment of teachers for schools under the Senapati District Council would be exclusively for local candidates.
Consequently a fresh order to this effect has been issued by the Government late afternoon today.
While four members of the SDSA attended the meeting at the CM's office chamber from around 3 pm, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, former Education Minister Francis Ngajokpa and Principal Secretary (Hills) PC Lamkunga represented the Government.
The SDSA blockade would be lifted with effect from 10 tonight.
Since the blockade was imposed on May 27 midnight over 73 goods-laden trucks have been stranded near Mao gate till late afternoon.
Inspite of the blockade lift, another bout of agitation is going to impede smooth vehicular traffic on the highway as a 24 hour general strike sponsored by Senapatibased Naga People's Organisation will come into effect from May 31 midnight.
The agitation is in protest against the 2001 census report with reference to population figure of Mao, Tadubi, Karong, Purul and Paomata areas of the district.