Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 07, 2010:
Around 100 CPI supporters of Manipur would start leaving for New Delhi tomorrow to take part in the protest rally against price rise being organised by Left parties there on March 12. Speaking to media persons at Irabot Bhavan here afternoon, CPI State Council secretary L Iboyaima said that the public distribution system has failed miserably.
He demanded amendment of the Essential Commodities Act in order to ensure adequate availability of essential commodities at affordable prices.
The CPI in its national council meeting held at Bangalore from December 27 to 29 last year resolved to urge upon the Centre to initiate unconditional dialogue with all rebel groups of the North East region.
The meeting also resolved to exert pressure on the Centre for immediate repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, Iboyaima conveyed.
CPI Manipur State assistant secretary Sotinkumar condemned the police action of injuring demonstrators by using water canon and tear gas shells who were protesting against the soaring prices of essential commodities.
More intense actions would be taken up in case the Government of India fails to initiate necessary measures even after the scheduled protest rally of March 12 which is expected to be participated by around 20 lakh people from different parts of the country, Sotinkumar said.