UCM calls for lifting economic blockade
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 08 2022: United Committee Manipur (UCM) has appealed to the ATSUM to lift the indefinite economic blockade called by it in consideration of people of the state, while urging the state government to resolve the issue at the earliest.

In a release, UCM information and public relation secretary Leisemba Lamaba emphasised that it will be better for all if democratic form of agitation is pursued.

Attempts being made to pursue vested agenda with regard to Article 371C and other constitutional provisions which give rights to citizens of India are a challenge to communal harmony of the state.

Any issue that is taken up under Article 371C, which protects tribal rights and Hill Areas Committee (HAC) constituted to monitor and recommend matters related to tribal community of the state, which is directed towards interest of particular community or organisation instead of welfare and development of whole of state will be seen as an act to destroy the integrity of the state, it observed.

UCM continued that it is utmost important that all communities in the state work together to preserve the integrity of the state while availing the benefits of the constitutional provisions received after Manipur's merger with India.

Any community that is holding protest in pursuance of demands in the interest of their own community are appealed to do it in such a way that it does not hurt other communities.

Organisations or individuals are urged not to ignite communal hatred in pursuit of their agenda.

UCM will not remain a mute spectator to any agitation that endangers integrity of the state, it asserted, while appealing to all communities in the state to live as one.

UCM also conveyed that economic blockade on national highway has amplified the problem of unavailability of urea to farmers besides lack of essential commodities in the state.

CSOs in the past have repeatedly urged for establishment of highway protection force to prevent repeated disruption along the two national highways of the state but successive governments have remained nonchalant on the matter till now.

The present state government should look into the issue seriously and formulate a long term policy which ensures that highway protection force or state force is deployed along the national highways to prevent all forms of crime on the highways, it further demanded.

On the other-hand, Youth for Peace and Progress Manipur (YPPM) has expressed its gratitude to Thadou Inpi, Thadou Students' Association, Joint Tribes Students' Union, Hmar Students' Association, Zomi Students' Federation, Naga organisations and other bodies and individuals which/who have taken stand against the economic blockade called by ATSUM.

"The far sighted stand taken by these organisations and individuals will go a long way in bringing an equitable, peaceful and progressive Manipur," said YPPM co-conve-nbr Jurist Khumancha in a release.

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