AMTDGF calls Indefinite blockade, NPO objects
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, November 02 2022: Even though All Manipur Tribals Development Grievances Forum (AMTDGF) has called for indefinite economic blockade from November 3 midnight, the apex civil body of Senapati district, Naga People's Organisation (NPO) has said that it would not enforce the blockade in Senapati district.

Alleging that the government of Manipur has failed to release the pending MGNREGA fund meant for hill districts, AMTDGF declared imposition of indefinite economic block ade with effect from midnight of November 3 .

The forum had earlier submitted a memorandum to chief minister N Biren Singh on October 10 demanding release of Rs 756,49,62,000 sanctioned by the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Rural Development) on June 23, 2022 .

Of the sanctioned amount a sum of Rs 100 crore had reportedly been released so far for 16 districts of Manipur.

Mention may be made here that AMTDGF had earlier postponed the proposed economic Blockade along NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) and NH 37 (Imphal-Jiribam) due to Diwali and Ningol Chakkouba festivals.

The forum had declared through a press release that it shall be compelled to impose indefinite economic blockade on both the NHs if the government of Manipur does not give a positive response within October 30 .

Consequently, AMTDGF on Wednesday declared indefinite economic blockade from midnight of November 3 along NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) and NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam), and appealed to the general public, trucks, transporters associations and CSOs to cooperate with it in the larger interest of Manipur.

However, Naga People's Organisation (NPO), the apex civil body of Senapati district, rejected the call and said that it would not enforce the blockade in Senapati district as AMTDGF did not take prior permission.

There is a standing resolution of NPO that prior permission should be taken for any bandh/blockade to be called by any organisation in the district.

An NPO functionary informed that the economic blockade will not be allowed to enforce in Senapati district as per the standing resolution of NPO.

The NPO leader also asked all to refrain from supporting the blockade and any volunteer supporting the blockade will do so at their own risk.

On the other-hand, Maring Uparap Assembly declared its support to the indefinite blockade and maintained that Maring community will never stand still when it comes to the issue of protection of tribal rights and justice.

The Chairmen and Secretaries' Association, Tamenglong and VACC also declared their support to the blockade call and appealed to all to endorse the economic blockade being called by AMTDGF.

Kuki Chiefs' Association, Churachandpur and Kuki Chiefs' Association, Chandel also declared their support to the economic blockade which will come into effect from November 3 midnight.

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