Public Meeting / Mass Demonstration Demanding to Cut the Price Hike

Imphal, February 20th 2021 :

Public Meeting / Mass Demonstration Demanding to Cut the Price Hike on February 20th 2021

Youth's Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) along with the Sagoltongba Greatstar Club, Salam Chaokhat Khongthang Nupi Lup, Community Network for Positive Women- Urkhul, Kuki Women Union, Sagolsem Pukhri Mapan Women Development Association, Village Women Coordinating Committe have organised a "Public Meeting Cum Mass Demonstration Demanding to Cut the Price Hike" at Awang Khunou Mamang Leikai, Imphal West.

The program was attended by Dr Dhanabir Laishram, Social Scientist, Dr Chinglen Prof and other women leaders of various districts attended the program.

Since the lock down began in March, 2020 the majority of the masses have been suffering for their basic livelihood needs. For almost half a year, the daily wage earners in the state of Manipur have been struggling to ensure their daily basic needs after their entire economic activities were stopped due to the lock down.

Public Meeting / Mass Demonstration Demanding to Cut the Price Hike on February 20th 2021

Witnessing the fact that the majority of the masses who are below the poverty line have suffered during the lock down, the steps taken up by the Government of India to increase the price of the essential commodities, petroleum products and others to recover the lost economy of India from the poor section of people is considered as a violation of Right to Life guaranteed under the Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

The unbearable price hike directly burdens the poor section of the society who earns for their living for a day such as rickshaw pullers, vegetable vendors, school van drivers, auto drivers, small shops and hotels owners, domestic workers, potters, etc. In order to overcome the same, ones borrow money from the money lenders at high interest rate which further leads to many unwanted social activities due to unable to repay, unwanted activities such as domestic violence, drug abuse, illegal drug or arms transportation, flesh trade etc. which is a sad reality.

Public Meeting / Mass Demonstration Demanding to Cut the Price Hike on February 20th 2021

On the other hand due to hike in fuel price the fare of the public transportation also increases as a result the students and many others are also suffering due to not able to bear the fare and failed to meet their destination for earning and educational institutions. Many people who are dependent on the public transportation suffers huge as they bear double the price in every intervals to reach their destination.

The Public meeting have resolved to submit Memorandum to the Governor of Manipur and the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Manipur demanding to cut down the VAT, to revive and strengthen the Price Fixation Committee, distribute food for free of cost the price is not cut down and to recognise the suffering of poor and respect their right to life.

Public Meeting / Mass Demonstration Demanding to Cut the Price Hike on February 20th 2021

(S Ngouba)
Media Coordinator