Senior Citizens join condemnation chorus
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 06 2011: Condemning the August 1 Sangakpham bomb blast that claimed five lives including two students and injured eight others in the strongest term, Senior Citizens for Society, Manipur decried it as an act of cowardice and terrorism.

Expressing concern over the escalating incidents of violence during the course of ongoing economic blockade imposed by Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee, the Society also appealed to the Committee for lifting its agitation at once and asked the Government to do the needful for declaration of Sadar Hills as a full-fledged revenue district since it has already given a commitment on the issue.

Addressing a press conference here today, secretary of the Society Advocate Khaidem Mani observed the involvement of NSCN (IM) behind the Sangakpham bomb blast could not be simply brushed aside in the light of killing of one of its cadre in the blast and the statement of the Chief Minister indicting the Naga rebel group.

Such act of terrorism is against humanity and the perpetrator should be declared as terrorist organisation.

The Government of India should also review the ceasefire agreement signed with the NSCN (IM) as the later has blatantly violated the ground rules of the agreed ceasefire.

Moreover, if the report of existence of designated camps of NSCN (IM), covertly as well as overtly, in Manipur is true, then immediate action should be taken up to destroy or abolish them, and none of the cadres of NSCN (IM) should be allowed to enter Manipur, Mani demanded.

With regard to the ongoing economic blockade of Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee over its demand for upgrading Sadar Hills to a full-fledged revenue district, Mani observed that escalating violent incidents of burning down vehicles and Government offices and human casualties during the blockade has become a serious concern as well.

Pointing out that imposition of economic blockade is illegal even if the demand is justifiable, Mani observed that posting threats to human lives and properties, causing destruction to public properties and cutting the essential supply line will never bring any good.

So, Sadar Hills District-hood Demand Committee should lift the blockade at once and at the same time, the Government should honour the long pending demand for upgradation of Sadar Hills to a full-fledged revenue district.

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