MPP demands end to economic blockade
MPP leaders launch fast unto death
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 07 2010: Two leaders of Manipur People's Party (MPP) have launched fast unto death today drawing attention of the Central government to putting an end to the economic blockade currently imposed on NH-39 and 53 by Naga bodies and removal of NSCN (IM) General Secretary, Th Muivah from the border area of Nagaland close to Manipur.

The party also demanded appropriate actions from the government to flush out cadres of NSCN (IM) from the state reiterating that the ceasefire between the outfit and government forces in Nagaland does not cover Manipur.

President of the MPP, Dr Nimaichand Luwang and former Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Sapam Dhananjoy have started the hunger strike from today.

They were fasting in front of the party office near the Statehood Square, Imphal.

President of MPP, Dr Nimaichand Luwang and Vice President, Dr Sapam Dhananjoy embarking on a fast unto death protest against the economic blockade on National Highways

The indefinite fast unto death commenced after an emergency meeting of the party which thoroughly discussed the impact of the nearly two months economic blokade with no sign of ending the same till date.

Speaking to reporters, Dr Nimaichand Luwang criticized the inaction on the part of the state and Central government even though the people are receiving untold hardship.

Even though MPP served ultimatum, both the Centre and State governments failed to take up action to end the blockade.

In protest against the government inaction, the hunger strike is launching, he said.

Despite repeated reminders with memoranda to intervene in the grim state situation arising out of imposition of prolong economic blockade to the Centre, Prime Minister, Home Minister failed to initiate action, he blamed.

Highlighting the suffering of the people like farmers, he said they are unable to get diesel for tilling their fields and non-availability of fertilizers and impact on the day to day earners due to non-availability of rice in the market.

He also demanded Centre's intervention in preventing Th Muivah from moving round at various places in Nagaland bordering areas of Manipur alleging that it has build up tensions among the people of two neighbouring states.

Centre had withdrawn permission given to Muivah to visit the state after knowing the motive behind his visit but he is still intending to enter the state by anyhow.

In this regard Centre should ask him to go back from the state immediately before things worsen, he demanded.