Imphal, April 16: With banned groups slapping huge monetary demands affecting many Government departments and in some cases resulting in suspension of public transport, the same demand has begun to infect the local bodies such as the Panchayat which is best epitomised by sit-in-protests staged under the banner of JAC All Manipur Municipal Council and Nagar panchayat.

With the protest entering its second day following the same which began yesterday at Keishampat members/councillors of the urban local bodies persisted with the agitation at Bishnupur Bazar today and the same will continue tomorrow at Mayang Imphal area.

Interacting with news-persons on the sideline of the protest session today, JAC secretary O bimol contended that from their respective resources eight municipal councils and 12 nagar panchayats had been coughing up 'annual tax' to UG outfits.

Further revealing that 50 percent of funds provided under Central sponsored schemes are being diverted or had to be parted with these armed outfits, the JAC functionary also said the UGs have been dictating terms in bidding for contract works with the assertion that certain development schemes are under the purview of their (UGs) 'project'.

Apart from such intervention from UG outfits in the functioning of the local bodies, slapping monetary demand of insurmountable sum, has forced members/employees of municipal councils and nagar panchayats to come out on the streets and air grievances, he expressed.

While outlining future course of agitation which include persisting with the sit-in-protests for some more days, the secretary informed that in case any incident of abducting/threatening municipal council or nagar panchayat chairpersons takes place not only will the offices be closed down but the councillors' certificates will also be surrendered to the Govt.Cautioning municipal councils and nagar panchayats against entertaining monetary demands from any UG groups either during the course of the agitation or without knowledge of the JAC, Bimol prevailed upon the Government to bring armed groups to the negotiating table so as to enable public offices function in smoothly without any fear or apprehension.

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