JD (U) pledges to air State issues in Parliament
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 21 2011:
Expressing that silence of the Central Government on the anti-AFSPA campaign being launched by Irom Chanu Sharmila and prompt redressal steps initiated by the Centre in the wake of hunger strike by social activist Anna Hazare testify double-standard of the Government, Janata Dal (United) National General Secretary Arun Kumar Srivastava pledged to expose the alleged discriminatory attitude at the floor of the Parliament.
Speaking to newspersons at the Governor Road office of JD (U) Manipur State unit today, Srivastava, who arrived here on a two day State visit, accused the centre of undermining issues besieging the people of Manipur adopting with the assertion that Sharmila's campaign for over 10 years against continued imposition of the draconian act is yet to be addressed while similar campaign by Anna Hazare for only a few days was accorded top priority.
Stating that as an Indian citizen such discrimination by the Government of India hurts his sentiment, the JD (U) leader reiterated his and the political party's commitment to highlight issues confronting the people in this insurgency-hit State.
With regard to the ongoing ceasefire between the Centre and NSCN (IM), he insisted that there should be transparency, for outcome of the talks is certain to have its impact in the entire North East region.
Suggesting that all relevant issues should be accommodated wherever negotiations are held between the Government and Kuki armed outfits, who have entered into suspension of operation agreement, Srivastava also noted that agitations, especially resorting to highway blockade have become a serious impediment in the path of the region's overall development.
Further noting that National Highway-39 route has been transformed into an extortion zone various armed groups, including many outfits currently involved in the peace process with the Government, the JD (U) general secretary opined that the situation need to be effectively tackled by the security forces, deployed heavily along the route.
Pitching strongly for participation of women in the political movement of the region, he also claimed that failure of the Congress party at the recently held assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu is a verdict of the people against corruption.
The erstwhile DMK Government in Tamil Nadu was the most corrupted regime ever witnessed in the country, Srivastava alleged while highlighting after JD (U) came to power in Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's focus is on provision of quality education in the State with not only infrastructure development but also fresh recruitment of nearly 3.67 lakh teachers.
Srivastava also cited the ensuing Imphal Municipal Council elections as the purpose of his visit to Manipur.
The Janata Dal (United) Manipur State unit president M Tombi, who also spoke to the media accused Imphal West Superintendent of Police of instructing his sub-ordinate officers to remove JD (U) flags put up at various locations to welcome Srivastava.
Pointing out that display of JD (U) flags in no way contravened election code of conduct, he described the SP's conduct as deplorable.
Tombi also suggested that instead of forcible eviction of women street vendors from Khwairamband Keithel areas they could be provided trading space at the empty spaces of the newly built Ima Keithel complexes.
He further traded corruption charges against the SPF Government by referring to news paper reports about lack of quality control in the construction of retaining wall as a part of Nambul River project in addition citing incompetency against the Congress led SPF Government for its failure to control prices of essential commodities.
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