Click to play videoManipur: As Manipur gets ready for the Assembly elections, it remains to be seen what will be the impact of the blockade that lasted for 123 days, crippling the state. The blockade had pushed up prices of essential commodities like petrol, food and medicines, but the Chief Minister appears confident.
Manipur remained crippled for 123 days with the Kukis' demand for their own district in the Sadar Hills area and the United Naga Council's bandh opposing it. This is a pressure tactic that has often been used by ethnic groups to push their agendas.
The protests that led to burning of vehicles are bound to swing votes in this election but differently in the hills and valleys of the state.
The blockade pushed up prices of about everything in Manipur, angering many citizens. The memory of the hardships could affect how people vote. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh seems unperturbed and confident. and said that the blockade won't affect polls.
Many, however, disagree with him.
Mang Kipgen, Former ADC Member, Sadar Hills District, said, "The blockade running for more than three to four months, more than 100 days will have a great impact in the hill areas. In the Naga areas it won't affect polls."
Caught between political aspirations and elections, the hill districts stay trapped in time and unkept promises.
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