PC trains focus on State, AFSPA; Calls for eco-blockade roll back
Source: The Sangai Express / Press Trust of India
New Delhi, October 31 2011:
Home Minister P Chidambaram today appealed to the agitating groups in Manipur to withdraw their over three-month-old blockade of National Highways and assured action on the report of the District Reorganisation Commission (DRC) .
"My appeal to all groups, especially the Kuki group agitating for a separate district to be carved out of Senapati, that they should suspend their agitation and allow the DRC to look into the matter and give its report," he told reporters here.
"So, supplies are available in the valley except that prices are high...
The peculiar feature of this blockade is although the valley, specially Imphal is affected, there are no protests in Imphal as such,"
he said.
Chidambaram assured all groups that the Centre would certainly urge the Manipur Government to act on the report of the DRC, once it is made available.
The Home Minister said the blockade has entered the 92nd day today and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has appointed the DRC and has requested both Kukis, who want a separate district for Sadar Hills that they should wait for the DRC's report.
Chidambaram said they were unwilling to budge from their positions and despite the blockade, the Government of Manipur with the assistance of the Centre, has been able to ply on an average 1,100 trucks with supplies every week to Manipur.