End economic blockades appeals Coordination Committee
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 23 2011: Expressing serious concern about the hardships facing by the people of the state due to the ongoing economic blockades of SHDDC and UNC, the Co-ordination Committee of the seven proscribed groups (KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK (Pro), RPF, UNLF & UPPK) in the state appealed to all concerned CSOs and people of the states to end the economic blockade.

In a press release, the committee stated that the economic blockades on the National Highways have been choking the lives of the innocent people of the state both in the valley and the hills.

Scores of trucks have been burnt and even a driver was also killed in blockade related incidents.

Moreover, blockade supporters have burnt Life Saving Drugs and medicines.

The 54 days long economic blockade has led the state to the brink, which might lead to strained relations between different communities in the state, as the prices of essential commodities continue to rise sky high.

Many have appealed for withdrawal of the economic blockade on humanitarian ground in order to give a relief to the trouble torn people of the state.

Unfortunately, all the appeals and opinions of withdrawing the blockades have gone in vain with the agitating bodies standing firm without thinking of the hardships facing by the innocent people.

Meanwhile, women bodies based in the valley have also taken up certain counter blockade strategies by not letting essential commodities pass into the hill districts.

Frustrated with the frequent economic blockades, people are taking up such actions even though it is not justified.

In such situation people living in the state should act with a sense of oneness and love and should share the essential commodities being brought in the state among them.

While asking for a collective effort to bring communal harmony, peace and tranquility in the state, the Committee further stated that the prevailing situation of economic blockade and counter blockade may take an ugly turn which might lead the state on the verge of social unrest and communal clash.

The committee also termed the ongoing economic blockade and counter blockade as an act which violates the right to life.

Criticising the Government of India's inaction, the Committee stated that the Indian government is practicing "Divide and Destroy" policy in the state by remaining a silent spectator even when its subjects are facing many hardships due to the undemocratic agitations which choke the lives of many innocents.

It also stated that the inactive response of the Centre clearly shows its attitude towards the people of North East, especially the Manipuris.

If ever such situation arises in other states of India, the Centre would have intervened at an early stage and solved the problem either way.

Moreover the state government led by Chief Minister O Ibobi is not paying any attention in the prevailing situation which is a sign of a puppet government under the draconian rule of India, the release stated.

The committee further appealed to the people of the different communities living in the state to recognise the hidden agenda of the Government of India and strive with a collective responsibility for a peaceful Manipur.

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