On demand to suspend DC...CSOs threaten eco blockade
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 19 2020:
As the 48 hours ultimatum served by Senapati district civil society organisations lapsed to suspend its former Deputy Commissioner, the bodies today gave the State Govt another 24 hours to "immediately suspend" the officer for allegedly flouting COVID-19 protocol.
Indefinite economic blockade will be imposed along National Highway-2 if their demand is not met, said the CSOs.
The civil society organisations-Naga People's Organisation, Senapati District Students' Association and Senapati District Women's Association had given the Government 48 hours (from 6 pm of May 17 to 6 pm of May 19) to suspend the Deputy Commissioner who has since been transferred to Kangpokpi.
The organisations alleged that the Deputy Commissioner had violated COVID-19 quarantine protocol on May 13 by giving 36 returnees safe passage during "no entry hour" at Mao Gate, and allegedly stationed them at Senapati town multipurpose hall, a non-designated quarantine centre putting the health of public at risk.
"As actions are not being taken up to meet our demand till today, we are giving the Government another 24 hours starting from 6 pm of May 19" .
Indefinite economic blockade will be imposed along National Highway-2 from 6 pm of May 20, if the Deputy Commissioner is not suspended within 24 hours, said the organisations.
The decision to call an indefinite economic blockade was taken during an emergency consultative meeting of the CSOs at Senapati DHQs today.
Services related to medical, fire service, media personnel and stranded people, in possession of permits, who are coming back to the State will be exempted from the purview of the blockade, said the organisations.