Government buildings set ablaze in India's Manipur

Three government offices were burnt down in fires set by unidentified persons Friday in India's northeastern state of Manipur, police said.

"Today three government offices were set ablaze here by miscreants," a police official said. "The offices include office of deputy commissioner of the newly created Kamjong revenue district."

India's official broadcaster- All India Radio (AIR) said the sub-division office buildings of Kamjong was housing deputy commissioner office and the buildings suffered about 80 percent of damage.

"Officials said the mini secretariat office of Ukhrul district was also set ablaze by unknown miscreants in which the district child protection unit office on its first floor was damaged partially," the broadcaster said.

Authorities have beefed up security in Kamjong and Ukhrul districts in view of the arson.

An indefinite economic blockade on the two national highways (which serve as lifeline for the state) imposed by United Naga Council has resulted in shortage of essential items in the landlocked state.

The blockade was imposed on Nov. 1 against local government's announcement regarding formation of seven new districts.

India's junior minister for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Friday reviewed the situation in Manipur arising from the economic blockade. Rijiju met Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and senior officials of state including police and paramilitary forces at Imphal.

Rijiju told media the federal government was committed to helping the local government open the economic blockade.

According to Rijiju, 189 companies of paramilitary forces stand deployed in Manipur and seven more companies were on way to help the local government to clear the national highways. Endit