ANSAM raises consensus rider, Kim Gangte questions, KUMHUR puts record straight
Stranded passengers in dire straits Sadar Hills angst continue to simmer, SHDDC to take fight to the end
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 05 2011: Even as Government office buildings in Sadar hills area continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing agitation, the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) has categorically stated that it would not relent until the Government lives up to its commitment and implement the demand for upgradation of Sadar Hills to a full-fledged revenue district.

On the other hand, thousands of people took out a rally at Saikul today demanding district status be granted to Sadar Hills.

''The ongoing agitation of SHDDC would not be lifted even if the SPF Cabinet takes a decision on upgrading Sadar Hills to a full-fledged district until it is translated into action'', SHDDC president Ngamkhohao Haokip has stated while taking to mediapersons at Motbung today afternoon.

Ngamkhohao informed that 'three neutral persons from our side have held talks with the Government yesterday, and during the talks, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and his two Ministers Phungzathang Tonsing and TN Haokip assured our delegates that the 40-year old demand is justifiable and there is no reason why it should not be granted' .

A rally staged at Saikul and relief camp for stranded passengers at Senapati

From the sides of the delegates, various issues related to the ongoing agitation, economic blockade, general strike and the lives lost have been raised.

But apart from the assurance of discussing the matter in a Cabinet meeting, no further comments have been given from the side of the Government, Ngamkhohao said.

So, as none of the Cabinet decision taken by the various Governments in the past including the declarations and the assurances have ever been implemented, SHDDC has been compelled to toughen its stand, Ngamkhohao said, adding that in 1982, the agitation had been suspended following an assurance given by the Government and the ongoing agitation is only a resumption of that suspended movement.

Ngamkhohao pointed out that the demand for Sadar Hills district is not to disintegrate Manipur but for collective development and mutual co-existence.

So, all the people ought to extend their support.

Ngamkhohao conveyed that the people of Sadar Hills have become agitated so much so that apart from preventing movement of MLAs and Government officials, even the members of SHDDC, which is spearheading the agitation, are finding it difficult to move around today.

In response to a question, Ngamkhohao observed that 'we also share the grief of the stranded commuters, but with exception to crossing the area by foot no permission would be given for travelling in vehicles' .

''Stranded commuters can come together at Taphou and contact the central committee of SHDDC.

If necessary, fooding and lodging would be arranged for them'', Ngamkhohao assured.

Quoting the editorial of an English daily published from Imphal in its edition today, general secretary of SHDDC Tonghen Kipgen observed that the editorial in question has infuriated the agitated people all the more.

At the same time, it has created communal disharmony.

So, the editor of the said daily should come out with an unconditional apology to the public.

Otherwise, the said paper would be boycotted in Sadar Hills.

Meanwhile, undeterred by heavy rainfall, around 5000 people from over 50 villages under Saikul sub-division today took out a protest rally at Saikul demanding upgradation of Sadar hills to a full-fledged revenue district.

Flagging off from Thangkanphai ground, the rally passed through Saikul town and submitted a memorandum at the office of SDC.

Addressed to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, the memorandum submitted from the side of KSO, Saikul; KIM, Saikul and Women Union, Saikul demanded implementation of the demand for upgradation of Sadar Hills into a full-fledged revenue district at once.

On the other hand, there has been no let up to the attack on Government offices over the demand of Sadar Hill district.

The office buildings of CDPO at Kangpokpi and PHC at Kalapahar were set on fire by agitators last night while a Hot Mixed Plant at Henbung and the office of Sub-Treasury at Kangpokpi suffered similar casualty today afternoon.