Chandel protests India-EU FTA
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 22 2011:
A protest demonstration was staged today at Japhou Bazar, Chandel district headquarters against the free trade agreement between India and the European Union.
The protest demonstration was jointly organised by the Widow Welfare Society, Christian Social Development Organisation and the Chamdil Khudun Social Welfare Art and Culture Society.
The protesters put up placards which read "free trade is not fair trade", "free trade is equal to free exploitation of the poor" etc.
Speaking to media persons by the sideline of the protest demonstration, NGO Forum Chandel president PS Ngamnung Anal said that the proposed FTA between India and the European Union which is under negotiation process would have an adverse impact on the North Eastern States, particularly Manipur.
Once the FTA comes into effect, indigenous herbs, medicinal plants, minerals and forest produces would be exploited wantonly leading to further impoverishment of the indigenous people, Ngamnung Anal cautioned.
Saying that it is unimaginable for the indigenous people to compete with Europeans in the field of trade and commerce, Ngamnung demanded that the matter should be discussed in the Parliament first before any FTA is signed.
The protesters also dispatched a memorandum to the Prime Minister urging him not to sign the FTA .