Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 19 2010:
As Christmas shoppers begin thronging Imphal markets to buy their choicest items for their biggest festival, the All Manipur Christian Association (AMCO) has cautioned all Christian brethren to be careful of the unnecessary price hike.
An apex body of all Christian organizations, AMCO also informed them to be cautious of pick-pocketers and traffic congestion during Christmas shopping in the city.
Far from the hill districts of Senapati, Chandel , Tamenglong , Churachandpur and Ukhrul, Christians have begun buying their items at various shopping arcades in Imphal city.
Though the over four-month long on-and-off economic blockade imposed on National Highways 39 and 53 by the United Naga Council (UNC) was called off in September, the prices of certain items have not come down to the normal level.
The price of a filled liquefied petroleum gas cylinder in the grey market ranges between Rs 800 to Rs 1000 and petrol between Rs 85 to Rs 90.People also buy edible oil, pulses, potato, onion, cement, decorative items and clothes at higher rates.
AMCO also requested the State Government to make security and traffic arrangements at Bir Tikendrajit Road, Thangal Bazar and Paona Bazar in the heart of Imphal to avoid untoward incidents.
"Like any other religious preparations, everyone around the globe is preparing for the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christmas is one of the greatest and faith experience events for the Christian brethren.
It bring peace, joy and love to young and old , exchange of gifts and greetings to one another," AMCO president Rev S Prim Vaiphei said in a statement issued on Saturday.
"Unlike the previous years I have completed my X-mas shopping.
I have bought some sweaters for my parents and a dozen of pens for my cousins.
I along with my old friends will enjoy Christmas at my native village in Senapati," said T Peter.
Meanwhile the All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) has urged the state government to clear the pending salaries to its employees particularly the Christians to enable them to celebrate the festival with religious fervor and gusto.