With the Centre threatening to send more security forces to the state, agitating Naga students decided to temporarily suspend the more than a month-long blockade of national highways to Manipur, the economic lifeline of the northeastern state.
The decision by Naga Students' Federation (NSF), taken at a meeting in Kohima this evening, came after its delegation met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi to discuss their demands.
An NSF release issued in Kohima said it was temporarily suspending the blockade of NH 39 (Imphal-Dimapur) and NH 53 (Imphal-Silchar), imposed since May 4, responding to appeals by various individuals and organisations, including the prime minister.
"We had a very good meeting with the prime minister. He listened to us and assured of an early solution to the ongoing problem. He asked the young students of the state to create a peaceful atmosphere and resolve the issue," Achumbemo Kikon, NSF’s advisor said.
The Naga leader, who was part of a five-member delegation led by NSF, said he was impressed by the PM's assurance.
However, Kikon said the agitation would be resumed if Manipur failed to address the group’s demands, including withdrawal of commandos, among other issues.
Earlier in the day, Home Secretary G K Pillai said the Centre had decided to send more security forces to remove the blockade of the national highways.
