Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 16:
The Manipuri Students Federation (MSF) has imposed indefinite economic blockade on National Highway number 39 along the routes connecting Nagaland with Assam from 6 am of August 18 and stated that the blockades will be suspended only after the NHs blockades called by Naga bodies have been lifted.
In a statement faxed from Guwahati today, MSF said it has taken up the matter with other student bodies of the North Eastern region and is confident of their co-operation.
Student bodies of other North Eastern States have also viewed the present Naga movement in Manipur as against the overall integrity of the North Eastern region, it said.
Charging Naga bodies of trying to create communal violence in Manipur, the statement alleged that communal clashes had erupted during 1992 and 1997 due to the instigation of certain Naga NGOs resulting in the loss of more than 900 lives and destruction of properties.
It further criticized Union Home Minister LK Advani of openly assisting the Nagas.
MSF said that wanton abduction and killing of State vehicle drivers and passengers are increasing along the national highways.
It charged the President's Rule Government in the State of adopting different policies for the hill and the valley districts saying no security has been provided along the NHs in the hill areas resulting in free movement of NSCN (IM) cadres.
It has demanded the resignation of the State Governor if such activities could not be curved at the earliest.
Charging that some Nagas are trying to divert history, the student body strongly denied the charges that people in the valley have subjugated the people in the hills.
More than 70 percent of the development works are taken up in the hills despite the hill people getting 35 percent job reservation, the statement said adding that tribals had been occupying important Cabinet posts and the Chief Minister's post for the longest period.
The MSF charged the Centre of turning a blind eye to the influx of foreigners in the NE States and appealed to all the student organizations of the region to fight the menace together.