Imphal, July 08 2010: Opposition leader of the state Assembly, Radhabinod Koijam today criticized the Nagaland government for not knowing its responsibility, and observed that the people of Manipur will continue to suffer till the neighbouring government knows its duties and responsibilities.

The Opposition leader and president of NCP, who drew the attention of the House on the prevailing conditions of the National Highways in the state, said this while exposing the irresponsible attitude of Nagaland government, where the NH-39, the lifeline of the state passes through today.

Radhabinod alleged that the Nagaland government could not maintain public orders on the section of the NH-39 within its territory.

Despite sending enough security forces to protect the section of the highway, these forces are not deployed for the protection of the highway.

Until and unless the Nagaland government takes appropriate measures to ensure safe passage of the highway travelers, people of Manipur will continue to suffer.

At this juncture, whether Manipur government searches ways to realize Nagaland government to acknowledge its responsibility or other means through the knowledge of Central government, he asked.

Supplementing to the observation made by the opposition leader, O Joy of MPP observed that Nagaland government is very much uncooperative to its neighbouring states.

They are sending free hand to the NSCN(IM) maintaining ceasefire trust with the government of India in carrying out their extortion activities on the NH-39 .

At this point of time, it is badly needed to include representatives of other states in the North East and in appointing interlocutor of the peace talks, he observed.

In reply to the questions raised by Radhabinod Koijam, Chief Minister, O Ibobi said that portion of NH-39 from Mao to Moreh and NH-53 from Jiribam to Imphal is not under the National Highway Authority of India and it is upto the Union government to entrust any national highways to NHAI.

Maintenance of public order on the National Highways is responsible of state government.

The Central government through Ministry of Home Affairs provides financial assistance for strengthening of local police forces and intelligence agencies under the Police Modernisation Scheme.

The Central government also assisting the state government by raising of Indian Reserved Battalions and deployment of Central police forces, the chief minister said.