Public against withdrawal of blockade
'Decision within a couple of days'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 31 2011:
The three day public meeting regarding the appeal made by the state government to the SHDDC to give the state three months time and to withdraw their blockade concluded today at Saikul bazar where the public flatly denied to end their indefinite bandh and blockade along the NHs.
The meeting was held today after a series of public meetings had been held in Sapermeina and Kangpokpi.
Even though various Kuki leaders were of the opinion that the appeal of the government should be acknowledged, the general public asked who will be held responsible if the agitators who are on a fast unto death dies.
The public welcomed the state government's decision on the constitution of a Committee on Re-organisation of Administrative and Police Districts Boundaries (CRA and PDB), but insisted that Sadar Hills should be declared as a full fledged district first.
They further said that three months is long time.
By then, election code of conduct would come into force and no decision could be made.
If the government assures that the district re-organisation process will be concluded within a month or two, the withdrawal or non- withdrawal of the blockade can be discussed.
Now is not the right time to withdraw the ongoing blockade.
Nevertheless trucks ferrying life saving drugs and other medical items will be lightened during the blockade.
Speaking on the occasion Kim Gangte said that the Kukis remained mum when Chandel District came up instead of Tengnoupal district and later Senapati district came up instead of Sadar hills district.
The state government's attitude towards the 40 year old demand of a full fledged Sadar Hills district violates people's rights.
Speaking to Hueiyen Lanpao after the meeting at Saikul, an official of the SHDDC confirmed that public meetings at Sapermeina, Kangpokpi and Saikul concluded today.
The appeal made by the state government will be further discussed in a meeting which will be held shortly.
Thereafter a final will be made known to the public.
He further said that the SHDDC has yet again pressed the Prime Minister of India to advise the state CM to fulfill its demands.
The public meeting at Saikul bazar was attended by Thangminlien Kipgen, MLA Kangpokpi, Doukhomang Khongsai, MLA Saikul, Haokholet Kipgen, MLA Saitu, president of Trinamool Congress, Kim Gangte, Ex-Minister C Doungel, Rose Mangsi, president Kuki mothers Association, Ngamkhohao Haokip, President, SHDDC and other Kuki leaders.
The SHDDC has once again taken its anguish to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday saying that the state government of Manipur continues to ignore the sentiment of the people of Sadar Hills.
In a representation to the Union Home Minister signed by SHDDC president Ngamkhohao Haokip and its general secretary Tonghen Kipgen, the Committee lamented that Chief Minister, O Ibobi had unilaterally announced the constitution of a Committee on Re-organisation of Administrative and Police Districts Boundaries (CRA and PDB) "completely ignoring your advice for consultation with us" .
The SHDDC said the CRA and PDB has never been the demand of the people of Sadar Hills.
"Therefore, it is regrettable that the honourable Chief Minister O Ibobi has totally ignored your much valued advice and resorted to such a simple and doubtful diplomacy to cheat the people of Sadar Hills once more," rues the SHDDC missive to P Chidambaram.
The Committee then urged the Union Home Minister to give 'appropriate directives' to the state government of Manipur.
Meanwhile, at least 400 goods laden trucks bound for Imphal got stranded near Awangkhul along the NH-37 (NH-53) as the bridge near Kotlien was not safe for use as one of the pillars of the bridge was damaged by suspected SHDDC volunteers, according to a police source.
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