Sadar hills blockade from Sunday
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 28 2011:
Intensifying its campaign for conversion of Sadar Hills to a full fledged revenue district, the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) has called an economic blockade on NH-39 and NH-53 with effect from July 31 midnight till August 7 and the same may be extended if there is no positive response from the State Government.
Speaking to media persons at Motbung today, SHDDC president Ngamkhohao Haokip decried that assurances by successive Governments and all forms of agreements between SHDDC and the Government have come to nought.
Almost all the Governors and Chief Ministers of Manipur have been petitioned for full-fledged district of Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council but it is surprising that the constitutional head, the successive Governors could not uphold their constitutional duty, Ngamkhohao rued.
On the question of boundary for the proposed Sadar Hills District, he pointed out that the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act 1971 gives power to the State Government for adjustment of district boundaries.
Accordingly, successive State Governments have formed several committees to study the boundary of Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council and subsequently reports were submitted and adjustments have already been made, he asserted.
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The Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act 1971 was enacted prior to statehood in order to give protection to the hill people under the Constitution of India.
Even as the same Act was implemented in letter and spirit in all other districts, it is being kept in abeyance in Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, Ngamkhohao lamented.
SHDDC vice-president Thangkam Lupheng said that they felt ashamed of pursuing the same demand which was 40 years old.
Nevertheless, the committee would work at its best level to achieve the people's genuine demand.
He, however, said that the campaign which is now 40 years old would be taken to the highest pitch this time.
In case, the genuine demand cannot be achieved even after this final phase of the campaign, the demand for separate district would be cast away forever.
In place of it, the committee and the people would ponder what they can do and go another way.