Manipur is being held hostage by its own as a Naga students' union state leads an economic siege on the state.

The Manipur government, however, has taken measures to transport essential items and other goods along the Silchar-Jiribam-Imphal National Highway 53 due to indefinite economic blockade on Dimapur-Imphal National Highway 39, a government spokesman said today.

Manipur sports minister and government spokesman N Biren told mediapersons that the state cabinet yesterdaty discussed the present situation arising out of economic blockade by All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) and decided to bring essential commodities from Silchar in south Assam to Imphal.

ANSAM had launched the blockade some three weeks ago to protest against the state government's proposal to hold elections to autonomous district councils (ADC) in the hill area on May 26 on the grounds that not enough monetary power was given to the ADCs.

Biren said since there were some weak bridges along NH 53, trucks would be restricted to load a maximum of 10 tons and pointed out that petrol stock in the state would last for seven to 10 days.

Regarding disturbances by some section of Naga communities at Noney area along NH 53 blocking the road, Biren said concerned district officials have been instructed to negotiate with the agitators.