SHDDC fires salvos at CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 31 2011: The agitating Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) has submitted a memorandum to the Union home Minister P Chidambaram in which the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has been accused of aggravating the situation arising out of the ongoing bandh and general strike.

Appreciating the Home Minister's acknowledgement on the demand for upgrading Sadar Hills to a full-fledged district as was conveyed to an SHDDC delegation who called on him on August 17 and 20, the representation confided that the agitating body initially considered lifting the economic blockade and indefinite general strike enforced on the National Highways.

"However, the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh on August 23 unilaterally announced constitution of a Committee on Re-organisation of Administrative and Police District boundaries (CRA & PDB) completely ignoring your (Home Minister) esteemed advice for consultation with us (SHDDC)," the memorandum mentioned.

Further pointing out that the CM's intimation to the SHDDC with regard to setting up of the Committee contained no reference to its demand, it contended that the CM's declaration heightened the apprehension of the people and their already hurt sentiment.

Asserting that constitution of the Committee (CRA & PDB) has never been the demand of the people of Sadar Hills and that SHDDC never demanded creation of Sadar Hills, the memorandum reminded that the demand for the last many years is for the implementation of Manipur (Hills Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 1971 passed by the Indian Parliament.

Reiterating that the CM's announcement on setting up of CRA & PDB not only completely failed to address the core issue but tantamount to belittling the Union Home Minister's advice, the SHDDC also observed that the Chief Minister of Manipur resorted to such 'simple and doubtful diplomacy to cheat the people of Sadar Hills once more' .

Insisting that such a declaration of the CM constrained the SHDDC to continue with the agitation as no other option is left, the representation hoped that P Chidambaram will understands the Committee's firm resolve to sustain the ongoing movement as it is a direct fallout of the CM's action for wilfully violating the Home Minister's advice.

Urging the Home Minister to ascertain from the Chief Minister as to why the SHDDC demand is not being considered seriously by the Government of Manipur, the body affirmed until and unless the Union Home Ministry prevails upon the State Government, the people of Sadar hills will continue with the agitation in all forms.

It is informed that a missive of the Chief Minister conveyed to the people of Sadar Hills on August 28 through the SHDDC president by the CM's Secretary Sumant Singh appealed for lifting the blockade of national highways as the common people had been enduring severe inconveniences as a consequence of the prolonged agitation.

The missive highlighting scarcity of essential commodities and even life saving drugs maintained that CRA & PDB comprising of the Chief Secretary, DGP, Commissioner (Home/Hills) and Commissioner (Revenue) was formed 'understanding the sentiments and aspirations of all the people'.

It further conveyed to the SHDDC that the Committee has been given a mandate to submit the report at the earliest but not later than three months.

The Government will take immediate action based on the report, the CM affirmed in his missive.

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