Friday, August 19 2005 19:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolkata: The Centre was working on a plan to develop an alternative route to Imphal, Manipur's capital, because of frequent disruptions on national highways which passed through Nagaland and Naga-dominated areas of Manipur, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in Kolkata today (Aug 19, 2005).

"We are working on an alternative route to Manipur, though many political questions are involved," Mukherjee told reporters here.

For this a number of fragile river bridges would have to be strengthened, he said.

The Centre's decision is in view of the recent prolonged blockade of NH No 39 by All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) in protest against Manipur government's decision to declare June 18 as Integrity Day.

Manipur witnessed a serious shortage of essential commodities including petrol and cooking gas following the blockade, which had begun on June 22.