NEW DELHI: In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Communist Party of India general secretary A.B. Bardhan has sought an end to the blockade of the highway to Manipur and a lasting solution to the problem by constructing alternative roads and connecting Imphal to Assam by rail.

The blockade of National Highway 39 for nearly two months has led to a severe shortage of food and other essentials in Manipur.

A section of Nagas is protesting the refusal of the Manipur government to allow the entry of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak- Muivah) leader Thuingaleng Muivah into the State.

Mr. Bardhan said the relief had turned out to be pittance due to the enormity of scarcity. All communities, Maities, Kukis, Paites and Nagas, were suffering as prices had shot up three times.

“All is known to the government at the Centre. Can anyone understand why the Centre under your leadership should pursue talks with the NSCN (I-M) without raising the issue of ending the blockade by students through the good offices of the NSCN (I-M) leader'' asked the CPI leader.