Time for the Govt to wake up, says MPP
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 19 2011: It is not the time for the Government of Manipur to remain mute spectator to the hardship being faced by the people following imposition of economic blockade and counter economic blockade along the two National Highways for around 50 days.

The State Government should initiate steps to end the blockade.

Otherwise, MPP would start exerting pressure on the Government of India for removing the present SPF Government, party leaders stated.

A joint meeting of the office bearers of MPP, leader of the party's Legislature Wing, advisors and prospective candidates held at the party office office today has taken serious note of the hardships faced by the people in Manipur on account of prolonged imposition of economic blockade and counter blockade over the Sadar hills issue.

Talking to mediapersons after the meeting, party president Nimaichand Luwang asserted that imposition of economic blockade along the National Highways over one issue or the other has become a trend since the Congress led SPF Government came to power.

Earlier, there was blockade for 60 days and the present blockade has completed 50 days giving untold harships to the people.

When there is a hike of some paisa in the price of Onion in Delhi, India was shaken.

But the Government of India as well as the State Government has been remaining mute spectator although the prices of essential commodities in Manipur have not only sky-rocketed but there is also shortage of life saving drugs, Dr Luwang lamented.

Reiterating that the demand for upgradation of Sadar Hills to a district is reasonable and MPP supports it, Dr Luwang contended that there is no harm in granting district status on Sadar hills, Jiribam and Phungyar sub-division from the point of administrative conveniences.

But MPP would never accept grant of district demand after stirring up communal hatred among the people.

The State Government should take up immediate measures to end the ongoing blockade.

If the Government is not going to resolve the matter, then MPP would pull it down in the interest of the people.

MPP would also submit memorandum to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to take up necessary measures toward resolving the present issue.

Moreover, raising the demand for ending the protracted blockade, MPP workers would stage protest demonstration in front of the party office on September 22, Dr Luwang disclosed, adding that similar protest demonstration would also be carry out at the district and Kendra level.

Observing that his party is against causing hardship to the people through imposition of economic blockade in the name of district demand, Dr Luwang pointed out that imposition of economic blockade along the National Highways is unconstitutional and should be lifted at once.

Leader of MPP's Legislature Wing O Joy pointed out that Supreme Court has already passed a ruling declaring Highway blockade as illegal and discussions are already underway in the Assembly to enact a law to stop blockade.

So, it should be the responsibility of the Government to protect the National Highways which are the properties of Government of India.

Appealing to all concerned to lift the ongoing economic blockade, O Joy stated categorically that if it is not lifted then necessary steps would be taken up with the Government of India for resolving the issue.

The Governor should also prevail upon the Government of India to intervene if law and order problem has led to economic crisis, O Joy observed.

Party advisor and former Union Minister Th Chaoba observed that it is dispicable on the part of the State Government to remain quiet while the public have been subjected to untol miseries over Sadar hills district demand.

There is no life saving drugs in Manipur today and if the Government is not going to provide then it would be better to pull down the Government and impose President's rule in Manipur, Chaoba added.

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