Imphal, May 16, 2010: Former Chief Minister Wahengbam Nipamacha has denounced the practice of calling bandhs and blockades, time and again on the National Highways which are the lifelines of the State.

Nipamacha was speaking at the inaugural function of a ladies gallery in Lainingthou Sanamahi temple complex at Wangoi today.

The ladies gallery was constructed by social worker Oinam Lukhoi at the cost of Rs 3.80 lakhs in the name of his late mother Oinam Tombi Leima.

Nipamacha said that imposition of bandhs and blockades on National Highways have been banned by an order of the Supreme Court.

However, some groups have been imposing bandhs and blockades on NH-39 and NH-53 in quick succession round the year thereby holding the entire population to ransom, said the former Chief Minister in his inimitable style.

For a State like Manipur, there is an urgent necessity to set up highway protection force, the former Chief Minister asserted.

Except for adhoc measures, the successive State Govts have not taken any long term policy to safeguard the two National Highways connecting Manipur to other parts of India, Nipamacha lamented.

Commenting on the turmoil resulting from Thuingaleng Muivah's attempt to visit Manipur, the former Chief Minister said that any unilateral decision taken by-the Centre cannot be the final say whether not Muivah should be allowed to visit Manipur or not.

As such, the decision taken by the State Government is justified.

Muivah's attempt to visit his birth place Somdal in Ukhrul district is not a simple homecoming.

It is a political move and a maneuver to lobby for disintegration of Manipur.

The Union Home Minister who could not foresee even the obvious should resign, Nipamacha demanded.

Later Nipamacha inaugurated the ladies' gallery donated by social worker Oinam Lukhoi.