Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 28 2009:
A general strike has been called by the Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) in all the hill districts of Manipur on September 1 from 6 a.m.to 6 p.m.demanding the announcement of date for Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections in Manipur.
Speaking to Newmai News Network today, IDF president N.Chamroy stated that all normal activities will be brought to a standstill in the hill districts of Manipur on next Tuesday, including the shutting down of shops, markets, schools, colleges, offices and other business establishments, and has appealed for public support and cooperation in this regard.
Further intensified agitation, including chakka bandh, economic blockade and public rallies, will persist from then on until the Manipur state government officially announces the date of ADC election, said the IDF president.
Pointing out that it is the state government which had enacted the Manipur State Autonomous District Council Act 1971, Chamroy questioned why the state government has not been able to implement the Act enacted by them for the past 20 years or so.
"This is a clear sign that the government machineries have collapsed in Manipur", stated the IDF president.
All the district committees of IDF had met on August 26 and resolved to launch the agitation for decentralization of power, including holding of ADC election, he said.
He reiterated that the IDF movement for decentralization of power and holding of early election of district councils to enhance grass root democracy in the state will continue until the demands of IDF are met by the government and it will not remain confined to the hill areas only as it might spill over to the valley areas too.
It may be mentioned here that the IDF had submitted several memorandums to the government of Manipur stating its demands and had started mass-based agitation on July 10 for speedy response from the government in the form of wearing black badges and putting up black banners and flags all over the state.
It had also cautioned that if the government fails to respond appropriately, stronger form of agitation would follow.