Imphal, June 12 2010: Members of Conflict Widows' Forum staged a sit-in-protest at Singjamei Supermarket complex today demanding the Government to provide essential commodities at affordable prices.

Talking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the protest demonstration, 30-year old Chongtham Ranjita, one of the members, pointed out that with prices of essential commodities escalating due to imposition of total economic blockade along the National Highways, widows, who are living from hand to mouth existence, are finding it impossible to support their families.

With members spreading across the districts like Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal, the Forum which was formed in April 2008 aims to help the widows who have lost their husbands in the ongoing armed conflict and ensure their children could lead atleast a decent living.

Ranjita further informed that the Forum has already submitted memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as well as to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil highlighting their demands for availing food items at affordable price and health care and education facilities for their children.

However, the Government is yet to take up any initiative in this regard, the young widow lamented.