Meet, rally held against Indo-EU trade agreement
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 02 2012:
Apprehensive about the negative impacts of the Indo-European Union Free Trade Agreement on farmers, flora and fauna, a public meeting was held today in Imphal East apart from taking out a mass rally under the aegis of Social Advancement and Resource Centre, Hatta, Imphal East in collaboration with community-based organisations.
The meeting, among others, unanimously resolved to call for holding of the meeting between EU and India until the people of North East give their consent.
A public meeting on Indian-European Trade Agreement and its Potential Impacts was held at Khurai Laikhurembi Laibung after a public rally that started from Khurai Puthiba Laibung converged at the venue.
Giving the key-note address at the meeting, Secretary of SARC, Ng Ningthemjao expressed deep apprehension that the people, particularly the farmers, would be deprived of their agriculture land if and when the Free Trade Agreement between India and European Union is implemented, which is likely to begin after a final meeting between representatives of the two parties slated to take place this month.
He said many resources from the North Eastern states including Manipur would be traded off in case the agreement is implemented.
Further it decided to demand to make public about the status of the free trade agreement process and studies commissioned so far by the Government.
It also resolved to demand a meeting of head of States in the Parliament regarding the Agreement.
Incorporating all its resolutions, a memorandum was sent to Prime Minister of India, DoNER, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Governor of Manipur and Chief Minister of Manipur.Speakers of the meeting included Assistant Prof Homen Thangjam and Sobita Mangsatabam, Secretary of WAD.