Sadar Hills : Gen strike off, blockade on
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 06 2011:
The Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) has decided to suspend the ongoing general strike on the National Highways from this midnight.
The blockade however will continue.
Speaking to media persons at Motbung this afternoon, SHDDC spokesperson Seikhomang Haokip declared that the general strike would be suspended from this midnight.
He also announced that the economic blockade would continue until the demand to grant district status on Sadar Hills is fulfilled.
The decision to suspend the general strike was taken after considering the hardships endured by the people of Manipur as well as the Union Home Minister's appeal.
He also decried Chief Minister O Ibobi's decision to go on a foreign tour amidst the prevailing crisis.
Some irresponsible people's propaganda that Sadar Hills district is meant only for the Kukis is highly condemnable.
Pointing out that Sadar Hills is inhabited by different communities, the spokesperson asserted that the State Government should be held responsible if anything unwanted happens to Otjomang who has been fasting at Saikul.
The condition of Otjamang is critical.
Even though the general strike has been suspended, the hunger strike would continue without interruption, Seikhomang declared.
SHDDC vice president Thangkham Lupheng said that the committee would monitor with how much sincerity the Government is working.
The general strike would be resumed, if necessary.
He also condemned as irresponsible Works Minister K Ranjit's statement that granting district status in the interest of a particular community has potential to ignite communal conflagrations.
Women of Sadar Hills agreed to the decision of suspending the general strike because they respected the SHDDC but all the women were solidly behind the demand to upgrade Sadar Hills to a full fledged district.