Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 07:
Manipur Peoples Party (MPP) today staged a dharna at its office here demanding proclamation of financial emergency in Manipur and revocation of Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO).
A delegation of the party led by its president O Joy Singh met the Defence Minister George Fernandes at Imphal Raj Bhavan yesterday and submitted a memorandum.
In a release MPP said Fernandes, who arrived here yesterday on a two day visit assured that the issue of proclamation of financial emergency with "a special economic package" as one time grant would be discussed with the Union Home Minister and the Finance Minister.
Fernandes further assured that the demand of raising of Manipur Regiment under Central initiative would also be looked into, MPP said.
In the memorandum MPP urged the Defence Minister to raise a Manipur Regiment, stating Manipur has more than four lakh unemployed youths.
The party also demanded that a regional office of the Ministry of Surface Transport be opened at Imphal to speed up and supervise directly construction of the four lane national highway-53 and the national highway-39.It further said Manipur needs to take full advantage of the Indo-Myanmar border trade.
The dharna began at 10 am and concluded at 4 pm.
The party said imposition of financial emergency with a special package is very much essential in view of the acute financial crisis in the State.
The dharna also demanded setting up of a special court to book corrupt and tainted politicians and amendments of the Constitution to check defection and protect territorial integrity of Manipur.
It also demanded setting up of cultural centres at all the districts of Manipur.