MICAN appeals
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 12 2023:
Meitei International Civic Action Network (MICAN) has made several appeals to the State Government with regard to prominent issues of the day namely, curfew imposition, price hike of esseintial items including water and the ban on mobile and broadband internet services.
In a statement, MICAN pointed out the impact of the indefinite curfew on daily wage earners and appealed for the curfew to be lifted from 5 am to 5 pm everyday to enable them to earn a livelihood.
MICAN also chastised the Government for failing to set up a 'Special Committee' to look into the rampant price hike of essential items.
On top of this, the statement touched upon the topic of the pre-existing issue of water shortage and accused private water suppliers of hiking up prices while taking advantage of the prevailing unstable situation.
MICAN claimed that previously these private water suppliers used to sell 1000L and 1500L of water for Rs 180 and Rs 250 respectively.
However, in the current situation, the prices have skyrocketed to reach Rs 750 and Rs 1000, it alleged.
MICAN questioned how the State Government is regulating these private water suppliers and further pointed out that there are a lot of issues with the quality of water supplied as well.
In view of these circumstances, MICAN appealed to the State Government to look into the matter promptly.
Further, the ban on mobile and broadband internet services has led to complete failure of mobile banking, recharge services, travel booking, online marketing, internet based business, digital payment etc, MICAN said.
Stating that this has affected the people severely, it added that the internet ban has also caused disruption in information services.
MICAN thus urged the Government to lift the ban on internet services immediately, reasoning that instances of violence have simmered down considerably.
Lastly, MICAN called upon all communities to unite to restore peace and normalcy in the State and foil any 'dividing policy' from succeeding.