Imphal, July 09 2010: Lambasting the State Government as well as the Centre for the pathetic failure to address the current chaotic situation in Manipur, Opposition leader in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj has assured that the BJP would be taking up the matter in both Houses of the Parliament during the ensuing session and take the UPA Government to task.

Addressing a media conference here today before wrapping up the two-day visit of the Central BJP team led by her, Sushma said 'The State Govt is incompetent and non-functional and the Centre is insensitive to the issue' .

Though the 68-days long economic blockade on was lifted on June 18, the people continue to suffer from shortage of essential commodities as the transporters have refused to ply on the Imphal-Dimapur section of NH 39.The transport operators, who face heavy extortions from militants, student bodies and even police along the route in Nagaland, decided to ply on NH 53 (Imphal-Silchar route) as a permanent lifeline despite its deplorable condition.

Coming down heavily on the alleged negligence of the Centre to resolve the problem , Sushma pointed out that "not a single Congress leader nor a Minister from the ruling UPA Government has ever visited Manipur to take stock of the situation''.

She also charged the Ibobi Singh led State Government with indulgence in corrupt practices and providing monetary aid to underground groups.

''Around 200 persons belonging to different civil bodies, senior citizens, etc met us and we have studied the ground realities and the plight of the general public.

They want permanent deployment of highway protection force and immediate action to resolve the current crisis," Sushma said, while assuring "we will not let you down" .

Some Naga legislatures who also met the Central BJP team highlighted the issue over the Autonomous District Council (ADC) Amendment Act and the deprivation of tribal people's rights by the State Government, she added.

Commenting on the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act , the Opposition leader observed the Act is outdated and it should be reviewed.

On being asked how effective and powerful will be the BJP's approach to address the 'economic' crisis besetting Manipur in the ensuring Parliament session, Sushma quipped "you just watch the television and see our action" .

She, nevertheless, hastened to add that the role of the Opposition is to highlight the people's woes and it is the ruling Government to implement it.

Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha SS Ahluwalia also asserted that the prevent volatile situation in Manipur is the offshoot of the ruling Congress led Govt's total negligence.

"When the transport operators refused to ply on NH 39, why the Centre failed to send army to bring in essential commodities to Manipur? '', he questioned.

Rajya Sabha MP Chandan Mitra noted that this is the worst case of negligence he had ever experienced in the country.

"This is the result of complete callousness and total negligence of both the State and Central Governments'', he charged and added that BJP will be in the forefront to redress the grievances of the people of Manipur.

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