Imphal, May 19 2010: Seven Opposition political parties have suggested that a special Assembly session be convened to deliberate on the prevailing situation apart from demanding that New Delhi and the state Govt develop NH-53 on a war footing.

Leaders of the seven political organisations during a joint meeting at the Central hall of Manipur People's Party today focused on myriad problems besetting the State due to the prolonged total blockade enforced on both the National Highways against the State Government's decision to hold the autonomous District council elections.

They also noted grimly that the blockade has been intensified and food shortage crisis has been aggravated as passage of Manipur vehicles through Nagaland has been banned by the Naga Students' Federation to protest the ban imposed on the NSF members including its president when they tried to enter Manipur at Mao Gate by the State forces.

The nearly two hour long meeting presided by Assembly's leader of opposition and State unit president of Nationalist Congress Party Radhabinod Koijam was attended by top functionaries of the MPP, Janata Dal (secular), Manipur State Congress Party, Forward Bloc, Revolutionary Socialist party and CPI (M).

speaking to newspersons after the joint session, MPP's Legislature Wing leader O Joy condemned alleged inaction by the Centre to resume vehicular movement along the highways besides slamming the State Govt for lack of positive initiative to secure the lifelines and ensure availability of essential commodities.

He demanded that necessary action be taken up to reopen the highways without further delay.

The MPP MLA also held Union Home Minister P Chidambaram responsible for triggering animosity between the meitei and Naga people by giving his consent to Muivah's visit to Manipur.

Moreover Chidambaram's lack of insight and immature handling of the situation has strained relationships between the Governments of manipur and Nagaland, he alleged while insisting that owning moral responsibility the Home Minister should quit office as his double standard is posing great danger to century old cordial co-existence of the people of North East.

stating that interference by nagaland Chief Minister on the proposed visit of Muivah to manipur is unconstitutional and condemning Rio's biased perception, Joy prevailed upon the Central Government to dissolve Nagaland Government for disregarding inter-State relationships.

Observing that the prevailing situation merits convening of a special assembly session as the suffering of the masses due to the ongoing blockade and the need for developing Imphal-Jiribam section of NH-53 should be given top priority in public interest, he also maintained that meeting of the seven political parties resolved to intimate the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Government of Manipur for immediate action at the earliest.

The meeting further resolved to launch democratic movement along with the general public in case no positive response is given, the MLA cautioned.

In his comment, Radhabinod said cessation of food supply due to prolonged blockade of the highways is causing tension in the region.

Stating that transportation of goods through air cargo and Guite road would not be feasible to redress the situation, the former Chief Minister suggested that the Centre should galvanise all its resources to reopen NH-39 and entrust development of NH-53 to the BRO, which is under the Defence Ministry.

Ensuring food security to the people of manipur is the responsibility of the Central Government, he stated.

questioning whether lack of initiative of the Union Home Ministry to clear NH-39 is yet another Muivah-appeasement policy, radhabinod asserted that compromising interest of Manipur to please a rebel outfit like NSCN (IM) would not be tolerated.

He strongly advocated that a special assembly session needs to be convened to discuss and decide what measures should the State Government initiate in case the Centre prolongs its wait and watch policy while manipur suffers.

On behalf of JD (S) former MP W Kullabidhu charged P Chidambaram of being double standard in both his comment and action, and demanded the union Minister's resignation as he has seemingly failed to understand or acknowledge that law and order is a State subject.

MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang, CPI (M) State secretary M Sarat RSP State secretary Ratan Ningthouja, Forward Bloc State secretary Kh Gyaneswor and MSCP vice president Kh Devbratta were also present during the media briefing.

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