The Church in Manipur says it is unable to provide aid to people affected by two-month long blockades in the eastern state imposed by rival indigenous tribal groups The blockades of two highways connecting Manipur with the rest of the country by the Naga and Kuki tribes have also seen the price of locally produced essential commodities skyrocket. The Kuki tribe began their blockade on August 1 to demand the establishment of a new district for its people in a Naga dominated area. The Nagas, who are opposed to the move, retaliated by imposing a blockade of their own. As a result National Highways numbers 39 and 53 in Manipur have been shut down. Father Joy K D, a former local vicar general, says the “Church is not able to help since we have no supplies. It is impossible to do anything as no food is coming in.” Church workers can’t smuggle food as Naga people are checking all vehicles and are not allowing the commercial transportation of food into Manipur. Besides food, gasoline and cooking gas supplies are limited, pushing prices higher. Not only is the price of gasoline higher, people have to wait for 2-3 days to fill their vehicles. A cooking gas cylinder now costs 2,000 rupees (US$40), four times the original cost. Hospitals are also turning away patients as medical supplies are running low. Those most affected are Meitis -- Manipur natives. “They comprise 10 percent of the population,” says Dominic Chawang, a teacher from Manipur. The federal government has appealed to the two sides to withdraw their blockades while their demands are being looked into. It has also taken steps alleviate the suffering of the local population by providing essential commodities in blockade-breaking convoys. It says it hopes to be able to send 1,000-1,100 trucks to Manipur every week. Related links: Church Torched And Christians Attacked In Manipur State