After a lull, demand for district status of Jiribam set to rock State
No backing off now, says determined JDDC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 16 2013: After a lull, the demand to upgrade Jiribam to a full fledged revenue district is set to rise and probably rock the boat of the State Government, with the Jiribam District Demand Committee asserting that there would be no question of backing down .

Speaking at a public function, convenor of the JDCC M Maipaksana said that the demand to upgrade Jiribam to the status of a full fledged revenue district is not a new thing and added that this time there will be no question of backing down.

Necessary measures have been taken up to renew the demand, he said.

All the earlier movements or agitations were suspended after coming to an understanding with the State Government, he said and added that in the interregnum an impression may have been created that the issue has been forgotten and given a quiet burial, said the convenor.

Setting the record straight, Maipaksana said that this should not be construed that the District Demand Committee has given the issue a quiet burial.

A map showing the long distance from its district headquarters, which is 222 kms

Maipaksana took the opportunity of delivering this pronouncement during a function organised by the Horticulture Department at Jiribam recently.

Making the stand of the Demand Committee clear, Maipaksana said that all strategies have been worked out or are being readied to take on the Government to realise their demand.

"This time, there will be no question of backing off and to take things to its logical conclusion, preparing everything is necessary.

The lull should not be mistaken as burying the issue," he explained.

On the suspension of the agitation, which was in full swing before the election to the 10th Assembly, the convenor said that the Committee thought it more prudent to suspend the stir, as the election code of conduct came into force and the Government was not in a position to promise or assure the upgradation of Jiribam to a full fledged revenue district.

"It was under such a situation that some sort of an understanding was reached with the Government," conveyed Maipaksana.

Though some deals were struck with the Government before the agitation was called off, this should not mean that the demand to upgrade Jiribam to a full fledged revenue district has been dropped, he asserted.

Elaborating on the deal inked with the Government, Maipaksana said that as per the agreement struck with the Government, Jiribam was divided into two sub-divisions, the other being Bekra, he said.

Accordingly a school at Bekra was also upgraded to a higher secondary level.

Moreover Science stream was introduced at Jiribam college, catering to the needs of the local students, he added.

Other than these, some other benefits also accrued from the agreement with the Government, said Maipaksana, but added with conviction that these measures do not mean that the issue of upgrading Jiribam to a full fledged revenue district has been buried.

Explaining that the district demand is purely based on administrative convenience, Maipaksana said that it is an ordeal for the people of Jiribam to go to Porompat and Lamphel at times to get things done.

Jiribam is located 222 kms away from the district headquarters, which is Imphal East, he reminded and added that the demand to upgrade it to the status of a revenue district is fully justified, given the circumstances.

The Jiribam District Demand Committee has put in place all the necessary strategies to take the people along with their demand, he said.

There will no backing off or retreating until and unless Jiribam is upgraded to the status of a full fledged revenue district and appealed to all concerned to extend their co-operation.