JDDC resolves to intensify stir
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 07: The Jiribam District Demand Committee (JDDC) has resolved to intensify its ongoing agitation in pursuance of the demand to upgrade the sub-division to a full fledged revenue district.

"We will continue our stir in by staging different modes of agitation until and unless our legitimate demands are fulfilled," said K Biramohon and Lamabam Romen, active members of JDDC at an impromptu press meet today.

Members of the JDDC staging a sit-in-protest the demand the upgradation of Jiribam to a full fledged revenue district

Strongly reacting to the statement of the Chief Minister that the SPF Govt would declare conversion of Jirbam and Sadar Hills into revenue districts simultaneously at an opportune time, the JDDC members remarked that the CM's statement was nothing but a manifestation of his double standard outlook.

The Chief Minister was only resorting to his well known delaying tactics, they noted.

They further asked whether the Chief Minister was deliberately delaying the issue so that he could excuse himself once the election code of conduct comes into force.

In case the State Government fails to upgrade Jiribam sub-division to a revenue district before the election code of conduct comes into force, the 9th State Assembly will have only 59 members as the people of Jiribam constituency had already resolved to boycott the forthcoming elections until and unless their demand for district status on Jiribam is granted.

The two also recalled that on July 21 this year, the Chief Minister and the local MLA Th Debendra had assured a team of AMSU and DESAM representatives to upgrade the sub-division once the Delimitation Commission gives its approval.

Even as the Jiribam people were jubilant when the Delimitation Commission of India recommended conversion of Jiribam to a revenue district on November 20, the people's expectation of realising their long cherished dream was shattered after the State Cabinet failed to take a positive decision to this end on November 27.Enraged with the irresponsible attitude of the State Government Jiribam people torched block Congress office, Govt, Jiribam people torched block Congress office, BDO quarter and many other Government offices in the subdivision.

This was followed by an indefinite economic blockade along National Highway 53 from the next day.

On Nov 30, a joint public meeting unanimously resolved to boycott the Assembly elections if the State Govt fails to honour the aspirations of the Jiribam people.

In the subsequent agitation, the bailey bridge at Leingangpokpi along was also dismantled.

The JDCC members also conveyed their gratitude to the people of Manipur for their support in the 36 hour general strike.

In continuation of its ongoing stir, a sit-in-protest was staged today at Jiribam parking, Wahengbam Leikai.