President notes plight of sadar hills people
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun

New Delhi/Imphal, August 17 2011: The 36-member delegation of Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) called on the President of India Pratibha devisingh Patil today, with the latter reportedly assuring the delegate, "I will look into the matter" .

However, appointment with the Union Home Minister on the said issue had to be deferred for tomorrow due widespread anti-corruption protest across Delhi and other parts of India.

The delegates will also meet BJP leader Arun Jailey.

Addressing newspersons later in the evening, former Minister C Doungel said, "we feel deprived.

Even for small things like setting up Navodaya or a hospital, or DRDA, we have to reach the present district headquarters, which is a lengthy process, both procedural and locational" .

The former MLA also pointed out that several petitions have been put forth to the State Government but to no avail till date while regretting that there are many opposition from even neighbours.

"even the valley people seems to have some reservations," he maintained.

(Top) SHDDC delegation members briefing the media at New Delhi and (bottom) women volunteers on fast onto death agitation

The delegation spokesperson said "this time even if we give up our demand, the people will not for they are determined that their aspiration materialises.

There will be more trouble if the district hood is not granted" .

Member of Parliament (outer manipur Parliamentary seat) Thangso Baite, who was also present said that the issue has already figured in the parliament and now it is a state subject.

On the question of hindrances on upgrading of Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, SHDDC vice president Thangkam Lupheng said "It is unfortunate that those who are opposing creation of a full fledged district are not from Sadar hills, but from outside.

we the people of sadar hills are living together peacefully" .

It is also claimed that Chief Minister of Manipur has already approved granting districthood to Sadar Hills, and that it is only from the Home Ministry that the approval is being awaited.

The CM is also slated to arrived Delhi tomorrow.

Another SHDDC vice president, Gokul Sharma asserted "whether there is positive or negative response from central Government, will of the public will be the deciding factor and we (delegates) are here to highlight the public sentiment" .

The SHDDC team is still camping in Delhi and awaiting Centre's response, of which major actions will be formulated in the capital as well accordingly.

On the otherhand, amid strong resentment against alleged indifferent attitude to plight and demand of the people of Sadar hills, 14 persons including a male agitator, today joined in the fast unto death agitation in demand of a full-fledged Sadar Hills district.

In all the 12 women who had launched fast unto death agitation at Keithelmanbi village joined their colleagues at the Kangpokpi agitation venue from 9 am onwards.

The protest is on since August 16 opposite Kangpokpi police station while a similar agitation is being sustained at Saparmeina near the police station.

Chonghat Misao (52), Kimnei Kipgen (48), Neikim Kipgen (59), Lhingchin Hangshing (53), Lamneiting Dimngel (38), Phalneiting Sitlhou (53), Hatpi Lhouvum (46), Lhaineilhing Sitlhou (39), Jenny Chongloi (28), Lamkim Chongloi (60) were agitating at Keithelmanbi before converging at the Kangpokpi protest site.

At Sapermeina Kamboi Kipgen (40) from Ollim Village and Hatlam Haokip (44) from G Songlung are on fast unto death demanding fulfilment of the Sadar Hills people's aspiration.

While talking to news-persons at Kangpokpi today, one Jenny Chongloi iterated that the agitation is not in demand for creation of a new district, but upgrading of Sadar Hills to a full-fledged district.

Is Sadar Hills beyond administration of Manipur, Jenny posed.

She also said that, if the ongoing blockade or the agitations is unconstitutional what about 40 years of development blockade for Sadar Hills.

Therefore, unless the State Government sheds its unfair decision and fulfil the demand of Sadar Hills' people we are going to fast till our last breath and the State Government should bear the responsibility if any untoward incident occurs, cautioned Jenny.

At Sapermeina, Kamboi Kipgen questioned as to why some communities are opposing the SHDDC demand as the demand is not for breaking the territorial integrity of Manipur but for equal development of all section of society living together in the state.

He also commented that if these objection continues, they should also know that there will be a time when the people of Sadar Hills oppose their aspiration.

Kamboi also drew the attention of the State Government and the citizens of Manipur on whether there had been instance of minority group(s) forming Government in Manipur or in any other parts of the country.

Why is the CM not able to take a rightful decision for only 15 percent of the total population of Manipur are hindering aspiration of the people of Sadar Hills, he maintained adding that, 'This shows that there is no democracy in Manipur while the largest democratic country in the world, India celebrated its 65th years of Independence Day.

According to Sub-Committee of SHDDC, number of people who will volunteer for the fast unto death strike will increase tomorrow.