MPP march to Assembly to protest shortage of goods foiled
Four hurt, bandh today till 3 pm
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 19 2010: At least four MPP workers including a woman reportedly sustained injuries when the police fired tear gas canisters and mock bombs to disperse MPP workers from marching towards Assembly raising their demand for adequate supply of foodstuff to the people and regulation of prices.

Police have also arrested five MPP leaders in this regard.

However, they were released later in the evening, said police sources.

In protest, MPP has called a State-wide bandh from midnight today till 3 pm tomorrow.

The four MPP workers who sustained injuries in the police action have been identified as Moirangthem Jilangamba (47) of Taret Khul Mamang Leikai (Khundrakpam AC), Huidrom Ingocha Singh (50) of Saijang Awang Leikai (Lamlai AC), Laitonjam Nilamani Singh (56) of Sabungkhok (Lamlai AC) and Thongam Bala Devi of Kakwa Khongnang Pheidekpi (Langthabal AC).

Police stopping the MPP members from proceeding further

General secretary (Administration) of the party N Sanajaoba Singh said that all the four injured party workers are currently undergoing treatment at Shija Hospitals.

The five MPP leaders who have been taken into custody by the police are party president Dr Nimaichand Luwang, former Speaker Sapam Dhananjoy, former MLA Soram Natum, MPP Youth Front president Maniton and MPP Youth Front vice president M Inaocha.

As the MPP workers started from the party office at around 11 am today, they were stopped by the police from proceeding further near the eastern side of the Bir Tikendrajit flyover.

As the agitated slogan shouting MPP workers tried to move ahead, police fired tear gas canisters to disperse them.

Talking to mediapersons after being arrested by the police at BT Road, Dr Nimaichand said that the failure of ensuring adequate supply of foodstuff to the people over four months now and regulating the prices show that the Government has failed.

He explained that the march to the Assembly was taken out to ring out the message that a responsible Government should control the prices, improve the condition of National Highway 53, ensure transportation of goods along the National Highway 39 without any fear and the route popularly known as Ganja Road, should be developed as an alternative lifeline.

There is no need for a Government if it cannot ensure food supply to the people, Dr Nimaichand said, adding that instead of discussing the public issues, the Assembly session has become a 'Leipung Phamba'.

Before being taken away in the police van, Dr Nimaichand and other arrested MPP leaders also shouted slogans demanding supply of rice and cooking gas to the people and fertiliser to the farmers.

In protest against the police action, MPP workers also demonstrated in front of the party office later during the day.