SHDDC to step up agitation, calls on supporters to arm themselves
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, September 09 2011: Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) today announced its decision to intensify the ongoing agitation until the government agrees to the demand for creation of separate district.

The committee has asked its supporters to arm themselves with "weapons" in a last-ditch attempt to redeem the fate of Sadar Hills.

In a statement made available to Newmai News Network today, the SHDDC said until the government completely agrees to the demand for a full fledged Sadar Hills district, the SHDDC has vowed it will not step down.

Not only will it not step down from its stated position, but it has pledged to intensify the agitation further.

"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 jointly signed by the President and General Secretary of SHDDC Ngamkhohao Haokip and Tonghen Kipgen respectively.

Warning of the impending difficulty, SHDDC advised "the people to stock up food and essential supplies to last for at least two months".

"The SHDDC decision to step up the agitation is legitimized by village chiefs; the people must therefore extend unwavering support," the Demand Committee added.

Stranded truck drivers and handymen getting ready to prepare a meal

"We must be ready with weapon grade objects at our disposal," announced the SHDDC while seeking to arm the people of Sadar Hills for what appears to be a final showdown with the state government.

Observing that "the people of Sadar Hills must be prepared to frustrate the ill upshot of the present impasse," the demand committee 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 conditions of the hunger strikers are fast deteriorating," said SHDDC and added "In the event of death to any of the hunger strikers, the people must be geared to rise up to the occasion and fight" .

"Should such a 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," warned the statement addressed to MLAs, MDCs, chief associations, sub-committees and women and youth leaders of the contiguous area, and made available to the press.

SHDDC further urged the people of the area to observe hunger strike on September 11 across Sadar Hills as a show of solidarity to the hunger strikers.

It has also asked the people to stage mass sit-in protest and offer prayers in and around the protest sites.