SHDDC to feel NGOs pulse on blockade
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 11 2011:
Taking into account the hardships being endured by the general public as a consequence of the ongoing economic blockade, the agitating Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) is all set to seek the opinion of civil society organisations on 'what recourse the committee should endeavour' to achieve its goal.
SHDDC president Ngamkhohao Haokip confided to The Sangai Express that the Committee will convene a meeting of civil society organisations on October 15 at Gamnom Sapermeina at which the Committee will solicit suggestions from representatives of various NGOs on the future course of action to be initiated by the agitation spearhead.
He affirmed that not only will proposals from the NGOs be endorsed but opinion of the masses would be honoured and followed in spirit and principle.
There is, however, no confirmation on whether Naga NGOs would be invited to the October 15 congregation or not.
It may be noted that in pursuit of the demand for upgrading Sadar Hills to a full-fledged district, SHDDC initially imposed economic blockade on both the National highways from July 31 midnight but the agitation was extended for an indefinite period following blockade-related violent incidents on august 2 in addition to declaring indefinite general strike in Sadar hills areas.
However, the general strike was called off on September 3 in view of severe inconveniences faced by the people, particularly the student community.
As of today the agitation has covered 72 days with no signs of the Government of Manipur inviting SHDDC functionaries for talks even though transportation of essential commodities on the Imphal-Jiribam route with adequate security cover is being initiated by the State authorities.
In view of appeals from several section of the society to suspend/call off the SHDDC-sponsored movement the October 15 meeting could be considered as another common platform to reassess the overall situation and reach an agreement to mitigate suffering of the people.