SHDDC to intensify agitation, gives govt a week's time
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Imphal, September 04 2011:
A hectically convened meeting of Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) today declared its decision to intensify the ongoing agitation across Sadar Hills and national highways in Manipur unless its demand is met by the state government within a week's time.
Even as SHDDC was frantically persuaded by both the state government and civil organizations to call off its ongoing agitation that has entered its 35th day today, the meeting today emphatically endorsed for its continuation.
"With the end of the first phase of the agitation, the SHDDC has decided to extend the general strike and economic blockade along national highways and intensify its agitation indefinitely," said a statement issued by the committee's information and publicity wing here today.
In the backdrop of the rumors surrounding the possibility of the agitation being suspended following a slew of meetings, the women hunger strikers said today that they will take the fast stir to New Delhi even if the agitation is withdrawn by
SHDDC here.
Terming the August agitation that began on midnight of July 31 as the first phase, the demand committee expressed gratitude for the widespread support and expressed regret at the inconveniences caused to the people of Manipur.
"Since the state government continues to remain indifferent and adamant to the legitimate demand of the Sadar Hills people and in support of the hunger strikers whose health are deteriorating, the SHDDC is compelled to continue its agitation and intensify with other forms of agitation," said SHDDC.
The committee has out rightly rejected the state government sponsored "Committee on Reorganization of Administrative and Police District Boundaries" and flagged its "demand and position" on the issue.
The SHDDC said that the people of the contiguous area will not accept the Committee set up by the state government and the attempt by the Committee to reorganize and create new administrative and police boundaries by replacing the existing boundaries of Sadar Hills administration.
"The Sadar Hills ADC should be declared a full fledged district only as provided by Manipur (Hills Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 1971 within a week time," warned SHDDC.
Noting that it will not compromise on the demand for autonomous district hood with revenue district, the SHDDC said that "we will not accept the creation of new Sadar Hills as a separate district under different law or act of the state legislature other than the complete implementation of Manipur (Hills Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 1971" .
Meanwhile, volunteers of SHDDC burnt down Kalapahar police outpost on the intervening night of September 3-4 .