NEPO imposes, lifts economic blockade
Source: The Sangai Express / Jiri News Network
Jirighat, August 24 2015:
An indefinite economic blockade was imposed along NH-37 connecting Silchar with Imphal with effect from 5 am today by the Assam based North East People's Organization (NEPO) on the ground that non-Manipuri people were hara- ssed in the name of the popular demand for enforcement of ILPS or similar mechanism in Manipur.
However, the blockade was lifted at 5 pm.
On account of the indefinite economic blockade at Jirighat which was cut short in the evening, there was no movement of goods carriers between Silchar and Imphal even though passenger service was not affected.
In the afternoon, Cachar district ADC Barenna Das, Lakhipur SDPO Anjan Pandit, Addl SP (Border) Gayatri and SDO Lakhipur Delagapu held a meeting with NEPO representatives.
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It was only after ADC Barenna Das assured that the issue would be taken up at the level of Assam Government and Manipur Government, NEPO agreed to lift the economic blockade.
NEPO president Pradip Dey said that the agitation was called in protest against the alleged harassment of non-Manipuri people living in Manipur for decades.
"We feel that we should do something for non-Manipuri Indian citizens living in Manipur and the Government of Manipur should not remain a silent spectator", he said.
NEPO general secretary and All Barak Youth Students' Association (ABYSA) chief convenor Baharul Islam Barbhiya said that they have no ill-feeling against any community or religious sect.
"We are only demanding the rights that are entitled to all Indian citizens", he said.
Harassment of non-local Indian citizens through introduction of ILPS and adoption of 1951 as cut off base year for defining indigenous people of Manipur is condemnable, he added.