Imphal, July 24: While flaying the Centre for failing to take up any initiatives to solve the current turmoil besetting the people of Manipur due to the indefinite economic blockade imposed by ANSAM, several organisations continue to urge the State Government to develop the Imphal-Silchar National Highway 53.Besides State-based NGOs joining the lift-blockade chorus, All Dimasa Students' Union (Cachar District Circle) in a statement informed that a meeting was held at Silchar today to take stock of the situation arising out of the ongoing economic blockade.

Deciding to appeal to parties concerned to resolve the dispute amicably through dialogue the Union members present at the meeting also criticised the Govt of India for failing to solve the 'Naga-Manipuri' problem.

Citing provisions of the Indian Constitution (Art 355), the student body expressed that Union of India is liable to protect every State against external aggressor and internal disturbance and sought the Central Govt's intervention to end the current impasse so that regional peace and tranquillity is preserved.

It also decided to appeal to ANSAM and NSF to allow traffic on both the NHs and adopt alternative mode of protest so that the common people of Manipur do not suffer any longer.

Observing that abstention of Nagaland-based NGOs from the current agitation would be highly conducive in paving the way for an early settlement to the deadlock, Manipur Intellectual Forum (Kha-Imphal Keisham Leikai) desired that NH-53 be developed into a 'standard road' at the earliest.

Highlighting the number times that NH-39 has held at ransom resulting in causing inconveniences to the common people of Manipur, the Forum observed that diversion of traffic along the Imphal-Silchar highway can keep the disruptive elements at a safe distance to a great extent.

Moreover, there is urgent necessity of shifting FCI/FCS godowns at locations close to NH-53 or along the same route to facilitate goods loading and procurement, suggested the Forum.

On the other hand, Epathoukok, Uripok Naoremthong cautioned all concerned that inspite of the current blockade somehow coming to an amicable end there is no guarantee that agitators would not resort to choking the Imphal-Dimapur highway to press for their demand.

Applauding the maturity and calmness exhibited by the people of Manipur despite being put to strenuous test by ANSAM the Naoremthong body contemplated how would community supporting the ANSAM cause react when faced with similar situation.

Strongly lamenting Manipur based organisation like ANSAM maintaining tough posture despite fervent appeals from cross section of the society, Epathoukhok expressed similar resentment against Manipur Govt for neglecting NH-53 which is the only highway that directly connects Assam State from where large chunks of essential commodities and consumer items are lifted.

An all community meeting held at Manipur Sahitya Samiti Hall in Thoubal district today resolving to demand June 18 as permanent general holiday and inclusion of the same in the holiday list, launching strong agitation in case of withdrawal of holiday declaration and campaigns to check counter-agitation also decided to urge transport operators ply vehicles on NH-53 inspite of inconveniences currently faced on the said route.

The congregation also condemned forces scheming the current agitation and flayed Nagaland-based.NGOs for interfering in the internal matter of Manipur.

In addition to UCM representatives taking part in the meeting, leaders of various NGOs and local elders from Thoubal district areas expressed their opposition to the ANSAM blockade.