Roll back blockade : Khashim Vashum
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 03 2022: Asserting that the State Government has been doing its best to release the pending funds for MGNREGA, Transport Minister Khasim Vashum has appealed to the All Manipur Tribal Development Grievances Forum (AMTDGF) and all concerned to withdraw the indefinite economic blockade which is being imposed along the National Highway No 2 (Imphal-Dimapur road) and National Highway No 37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) since the midnight of November 3 .

Addressing a press meet held today at his office chamber at Sanjenthong, the Transport Minister claimed that out of the total pending funds of MGNREGA, Rs 100 crore had been released in June this year while another Rs 140 crore is being processed for release.

He also said that all efforts are being made by the State Government to release all the pending funds which amount to around Rs 500 crore before the next financial year.

Continuing that bandhs and blockades in the State have been significantly reduced since the BJP Government came to power in 2017, Khasim Vashum said that the indefinite economic blockade being imposed along the two National Highways, which are the lifelines for the State, will create extreme disturbances and hardships to the general public.

He added that the bandh will also give a big negative impact to the upcoming Sangai Festival as foreign delegates/diplomats and tourists from outside the State are already planning to come to the festival.

While stating that many civil organizations have declared not to support the indefinite bandh called by the AMTDGF, the Minister asked all CSOs not to endorse the said indefinite economic blockade.

Further assuring that adequate security measures and escorts will be provided for transporters during the economic blockade, he also asked transporters' unions and associations not to have any apprehension in plying on the two National Highways.

ADGP L Kailun who attended the press meet claimed that the Manipur Police has made all preparations to thwart any unwanted incident on the National Highways during the indefinite blockade.

While announcing that actions will be taken up against those who commit crimes and violate laws during the indefinite blockade along the National Highways as per the law, the ADGP confided that six persons had already been detained in this connection.

He also appealed to all concerned to withdraw the indefinite blockade in the larger interests of the people.

Many high ranking officials of Manipur Police, Transport Department and Finance Department were also present at the press meet.

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