Blockade upsets Gaikhangam
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 24 2011:
While conceding that prices of essential commodities have gone up as a consequence of the ongoing economic blockade, MPCC president Gaikhangam reminded all that past events had clearly indicated that a negotiated settlement is the best option to achieve any goal.
Stating that bandhs and blockades are not new phenomena in Manipur for the people had already endured severe inconveniences due to such movement, he said prolonging suffering of the people is not justifiable however genuine the demand might be.
Speaking as chief guest at the one day State convention of Kisankhet Mazdoor Congress, Manipur at GM Hall today, the State Congress chief cautioned that the ongoing economic blockade causing hardships to the common people is gradually creating tension amongst various communities.
Further noting that it is the daily wage earners and the poor farmers who suffer the most due to escalation in the prices of essential commodities, Gaikhangam said aspiration for all-round development will remain elusive if bandhs and blockades continue.
He said with the farmer community making up 80 percent of the country's total population there cannot be economic emancipation when the farmers suffer for their contribution is the deciding factor in the economic development of the nation.
The chief guest also said concerted effort and sincerity of officials concerned are some prerequisites to ensure that various welfare schemes meant for the farmers reach the targeted section of the society.
National Secretary of Kisan Khet Mazdoor Congress Avinash Katgati said compared to the BJP-led NDA Government during which a number of farmers committed suicide due to blunder in policy, the UPA Government under the guidance of Sonia Gandhi introduced a number of welfare schemes for the farmers.
Acknowledging that people of Manipur are presently passing through a critical phase due to imposition of economic blockade, he described as unreasonable hiking of prices of essential commodities by the traders.
Urging blockade sponsors to call of their agitation before the movement strains relationships amongst various communities, he said launching mass movement against corruption should be accorded more importance at this juncture rather than imperilling the Manipuri society.