Panchayat bodies' strike disrupts normal life
General strike cripples normal life in Jiribam, NH-37 blocked
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 27 2022: The general strike called by 161 Panchayat bodies in their respective jurisdiction in protest against the state government's non-clearance of funds sanctioned by the central government for panchayati raj institutions (PRI), disrupted normal life across the state.

During the general strike which commenced from 6am Thursday, job card holders and local bodies falling under the jurisdictions of the Panchayats, staged protests on the roads by holding placards inscribed with slogans demanding the release of the funds.

The protestors also closed down the roads, burned used tyres and restricted the movement of the public, while shops remained closed.

Speaking to newspersons regarding the general strike, PRI Adhoc Committee convenor Ph Surbala recounted that PRIs have been resorting to protests from time to time demanding the release of the central funds.

However, the state government remains indifferent to its genuine demands till date for reasons best known to it.

The funds include development work expenses including wages, she said, while adding that the general strike, which was called against the apathy of the government, will continue till 6pm of January 28 .

The convenor then remarked that the government's claims of equal development in the hills and the valley hold no merit considering the present situation of the Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state.

In Jiribam district, the 36- hour general strike called by Manipur State Panchayat Parishad in areas covered by panchayat bodies in protest against non-release of liabilities/ funds of MGNREGA 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 for taking up developmental works crippled normal life on the first day on Thursday.

MGNREGS job card holders came out and blocked NH-37 in Jiribam sector.

All the vehicles including loaded trucks were restricted from plying on the road, while essential services and transportation of medicines were exempted from the purview of the agitation.

Jiribam district police took up precautionary measures so as to prevent occurrence of any untoward incident.

Speaking to media persons, Hilghat Gram Panchayat ward member N Suchitra lauded the job card holders in the district for coming out in support of the strike called by Manipur State Panchayat Parishad.

Urging the state government to release the funds at the earliest in the interest of public, she cautioned of intensifying the protest if their demands are not fulfilled.

Comment