Trader body accuses NSCN-IM of seizing fish, egg truck-loads
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 21 2014 :
Contending that atleast five fish and egg-loaded vehicles have been detained at various sections of the Imphal-dimapur allegedly by activists of NSCN-IM, All Manipur Fish and Egg Traders' Association urged authorities concerned for immediate intervention to enable smooth continuation of commercial activities.
speaking to media persons at Manipur press Club today, Association president Thingujam Kunjalata Devi said since May 17 the fish and egg loaded vehicles have been detained at Dimapur in Nagaland and Mao and Tadubi areas of Senapati district.
Claiming that certain individuals also involved in the same trade have been insisting that fish and egg items be purchased from them as an understanding has been arrived at with the NSCN-IM, the president opined that detention of the five vehicles might have relevance to insistence of the said individuals.
Stating that the Association do not have any reservation if anybody wants to join the trading community as the Association is also involved in ensuring continuous supply of the consumable items in the State, she nevertheless regretted that due to fish and egg being perishable commodities loads in the detained vehicles may have already rotted.
While there has been no instances of such intervention from any circle in the past many years the sudden seizing of the truck loads amount to denying the trader community their right to sustain livelihood, maintained the president.
Referring to insistence by some individuals that the Association cease transportation of eggs and fishes from outside the State and possess the same food items from them, Kunjalata also speculated that the present blockade on transportation could be at the behest of the 'individuals', who claimed to have 'permission' from the NSCN-IM to sustain the trade.
Voicing strong opposition against intervention by the rebel group, she said memorandum submitted to the manipur Home Minister and DGP urged for investigation into whether a third party in connivance with the NSCN-IM is responsible for restricting transportation of the goods.
The president also desired that the State authorities ensure free movement of commercial goods on the highway.