Govt, SHDDC talks end in failure
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 01 2011: Delegates of SHDDC led by vice-presidents Thangkam Lupheng and Gokul Sharma today called on CM, O Ibobi early today in a last ditch effort to break the impasse.

But the meeting ended in a disappointing note for both parties.

SHDDC representatives walked out of the meeting claiming that the CM was playing 'delaying tactics' by bargaining for time, said a press release of the SHDDC signed by president Ngamkhohao Haokip and general secretary Tonghen Kipgen.

The press release demanded inauguration of Sadar Hills as envisaged in the Manipur (Hills Areas) Autonomous District Council Act,1971 passed by the Indian Parliament.

The SHDDC in its statement asked whether the CM is trying to create a new Sadar Hills or trying to implement the Act of Parliament.

"Again, Sadar Hills has very well-defined boundaries administered under 24 Autonomous District Council Constituencies and three Sub-Divisions.

Was there ever any objection to these boundaries at any point of time? Definitely no.Then why now?" questioned the release.

The press release further states that it is highly regrettable to note that the government is once again trying to mislead the people with propaganda and wrong statements instead of listening to the demand of the Sadar Hills people.

The SHDDC is always clear in its stand towards fulfillment of the demand for upgradation of Sadar Hills into a full fledged District.

The delegates of the demand committee included the three MLAs of Sadar Hills, two former MLAs and vice chairman of Sadar Hills ADC.

General secretary, SHDDC, Tonghen Kipgen admitted that the talks today eluded a solution.

"The CM persuaded the visiting delegates to stop the agitation and give the government three-month times to address the issue," he said.

He said by asking three months time the election code of conduct will be enforced and the issue would be conveniently shelved. Further, the SHDDC strongly condemned the conduct of Maj Ashish Dubey, Post Commander, 34 AR, A-Coy posted at Kangpokpi for their actions yesterday in relation to the general strike and economic blockade enforced by the SHDDC.

The SHDDC strongly demands the immediate suspension of two AR officers, Maj Bhavish and Maj Ashish Dubey and the jawans involved and court-martial proceedings initiated against them under the laws of the Indian Army.

Meanwhile, UCM has requested the demand committee to either relax or call off the agitation in the interest of the general public.

The leaders of UCM today met leaders of SHDDC, the former appealing the latter to relax or call off the ongoing agitation for the interest of the general public of Manipur.

UCM president Y Dilipkumar told the media that the SHDDC demand is genuine and justified and the decision of the state government to institute a district reorganizing committee is unwarranted and wrong with the three months deadline for the submission of its report suspicious.

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