SHDDC raises war cry in pursuit of demand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 09 2011: Calling upon its supporters to arm themselves with 'weapons' in a last ditch attempt to re-deem the fate of Sadar hills, Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) today announced its decision to intensify the ongoing agitation until the Government agrees to creation of Sadar hills as a separate district.

In a statement, SHDDC, which is spearheading the ongoing agitation, informed that it has vowed not to step down until the Government completely agrees to the demand for a full-fledged Sadar hills district.

"The people of Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council under the aegis of SHDDC have firmly resolved, following two decisive meetings, to intensify the ongoing agitation and fight it to its logical conclusion," said a statement signed jointly by its president Ngamkhohao Haokip and general secretary Tonghen Kipgen.

Warning of the impending difficulty, SHDDC advised 'the people to stock up foods and other essential supplies to last for at least two months' and said 'the decision of SHDDC is legitimised by the village chiefs, and therefore, the people must stand by the decision of the committee' .

Boulders piled-up at Kangpokpi Bazar to enforce SHDDC-sponsored economic blockade

"We must be ready with any weapon at our disposal," SHDDC exhorted, while seeking to arm the people of Sadar hills.

Observing that 'the people of Sadar hills must look to frustrate any eventuality that may arise in the foreseeable future', the SHDDC statement said it is time 'the people of Sadar hills collectively reaffirmed our commitment on the issue and fight towards its attainment' .

"Apart from the people's movement, the condition of the hunger strikers are fast deteriorating," the statement pointed out, and added, "In the event of death of any of the hunger strikers, the people must be geared up to rise up to the occasion and fight" .

"Should such grave situation arise, the people of Sadar hills must be ready to hit back by plundering and razing Government offices and properties in the area while also fighting against the onslaught of State forces," the SHDDC statement, which is addressed to the MLAs, MDCs, chiefs association, Sub-Committees and women and youth leaders of the contiguous area, stated categorically.

SHDDC further called upon the people of the area to observe hunger strike on September 11 to show solidarity to the hunger strikers and stage mass sit-ins and offer prayers in and around the protest sites.

In another statement by its secretary of information and publicity, SHDDC pointed out that it has already rejected formation of 'Committee on Re-organisation of Administrative and Police District Boundaries' by the Government of Manipur.

So, SHDDC would neither give any comment nor suggestion to the said Committee and it would stand for status quo boundaries of the existing Sadar hills administration.

SHDDC demands complete implementation of Manipur (Hills Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 1971 in respect of Sadar hills without altering its boundaries under any circumstances.

Asking the SDOs, SDCs, other Departmental officers within Sadar hills administration not to give any kind of suggestion or comments against the interest of Sadar hills people, SHDDC directed that no individual, groups, organisations, village chiefs should give such suggestions, comments or opinion without the written knowledge of SHDDC.

Appealing to the transporters not to ply their vehicles in defiance of the economic blockade being imposed, SHDDC categorically stated that they (transporters) should not try to take cover under the security forces.