MPP volunteers protest as MLAs join inauguration
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 03 2011: Even though all the four legislators of Manipur People's Party (MPP) attended inauguration of the State Assembly complex by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, male volunteers of the regional political organisation staged 'nude protest' against the high profile visit.

While MPP legislators O Joy Singh, Dr Ng Bijoy, Dr I Ibohalbi and RK Anand were present at the inauguration programme today, seven MPP youth Front volunteers including its president M Maniton Mangang, shed their clothes inside the MPP office premises to protest what they termed as callous attitude of the Central Government to various hardships faced by the people of Manipur.

Denouncing the reported proposal for formation of Supra State Body, alleging step-motherly treatment of North Eastern States, and protesting alleged divide and rule policy intent on creating communal disharmony in Manipur, among other issues, the protestors also shouted slogans against the visit of the Prime Minister and AICC chief.

They also accorded a symbolic 'black carpet' reception to the VVIPs.

While the protest was on inside the office complex, there was heavy deployment of security personnel outside.

Till departure of the VVIPs from here, police teams remained vigil near the MPP office to thwart any further disruptive act.

Ahead of the 'nude protest', Maniton told a group of reporters that the protest is not an anti-Indian demonstration but in denunciation of lack of initiative by the Centre to address various issues plaguing the North East region.

He maintained that the protest is against the Centre's failure to resolve the economic blockade that imperilled the people of Manipur.

While repeated appraisals by the MPP and other political organisations to the Central Government to end the prolonged economic blockade went unheeded the visit of the Prime Minister and Congress President for inauguration of newly constructed buildings only testify the Centre's indifferent attitude to suffering of the people of Manipur, he construed while reminding that the people endured severe inconveniences due to shortage of essential commodities including petroleum products.

Contending that MPP is not satisfied with the clarification of the Chief Minister on the Supra State Body issue, Maniton demanded clarity on the Centre's stand with regard to the said issue.

Contrary to the protest, the four MPP MLAs attended inauguration of the new State Assembly complex by the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi.

Regardless of the protest by the MPP Youth Front, a large number of people from different places of the State attended the public meeting held at Kangla.

While restrictions were imposed on several routes that led to the meeting venue, public carriers escorted by police personnel brought people from different places, particularly from the valley districts.

The public were off-loaded at Wahengbam Leikai, Moirangkhom section of Indo-Burma road, Wangkhei-Kongba Road and Soibam Leikai areas from where they arrived at the meeting venue on foot.

Consequently, Kangla was jam-packed with people, including many Congress party supporters.

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