Economic blockade unlikely to be lifted any time
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 12 2016: Even though all sections of people living in the State have been suffering acutely on account of the indefinite economic blockade imposed by the United Naga council (UNC) since November 1, the economic blockade is unlikely to be lifted any time soon.

On account of the economic blockade, all oil pumps have gone dry while prices of essential commodities have been rising.

On the other hand, around 155 Imphal-bound tankers loaded with fuel still remain stranded at Khatkhati, Assam.

200 other trucks loaded with essential commodities are also stranded at Mao Gate.

Meanwhile, UNC president Gaidon Kamei told The Sangai Express over telephone that the question of imposing the economic blockade would not have arose if either the Government of India or the State Government made an announcement to the effect that Sadar Hills district would be created only after consulting all the stake holders and the general public.

Economic blockade unlikely to be lifted any time

Many people were apprehensive that Chief Minister O Ibobi had an intention to declare Sadar Hills as a full fledged district before the election code of conduct comes into force.

On being enquired whether the Government was planning to declare Sadar Hills as a full fledged district on the eve of Ningol Chakkouba and Kut festivals, the Government replied in negative, said Gaidon and added yet, a monolith was erected.

The monolith which would signify inauguration of Sadar Hills district was erected under a secret plan of the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister to declare creation of Sadar Hills district without giving any prior information to the public, Gaidon Kamei said.

It was the Chief Minister who opened the 'Pandora's Box' and he must explore a means to close the same box.

On being asked whether the ongoing economic blockade would continue until the election code of conduct comes into force, the UNC president said that there is no clear answer for the query.

Yet he added that the economic blockade might be lifted before the election code of conduct comes into force.

Notably, many have been speculating that the election code of conduct may come into force from November 20 .

"History says that the hill areas of Manipur are inhabited by Nagas while the Meiteis are confined to the valley and there are boundaries between Nagas and Meiteis but there are no clear boundaries for people who came from outside Manipur", Gaidon asserted.

Immigrants have no right to demand districts, homelands or States, he continued.

In addition to Manipur, there was an area named Sadar in Nagaland too before it achieved Statehood.

The term was coined by British colonial rulers.

Many Indian soldiers who did not go back after wars fought in Manipur were settled in small pockets at Kangpokpi and Kanglatombi.

The area was originally named Sadar before the term 'Hills' was suffixed and since some years back, they were demanding district status.

"Even if it is for administrative convenience, no new district can be created if the "'owner' says no", Gaidon Kamei added.