NEW DELHI, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The local government in India's northeastern state of Manipur has decided to enact a new law declaring all shutdowns and blockades as illegal, officials said Wednesday.
"The cabinet has decided to declare shutdowns and blockades illegal and fix responsibility against sponsors and organisers of such acts for creating public inconvenience," an official said.
"Those indulging in calling bandhs and blockades will be deprived of government jobs and schemes, besides criminal proceedings will be initiated against them."
Normal life often gets paralysed in Manipur due to shutdowns and blockades.
In March this year, a nearly five-month-long economic blockade ended in the state.
Manipur is a conflict-ridden state in India's northeast. Several separatist groups in the state have run long armed insurgency demanding separation from Indian union.
The groups often target Indian armed forces. New Delhi has imposed anti-insurgent laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
