Imphal, January 25: Renewing the long standing demand for conversion of Sadar Hills to a full-fledged revenue district and installing separate offices for DC and SP, a 24-hour total bandh has been called in Sadar Hills area with effect from midnight of January 31 to midnight of February 1 .

Announcing this during a press conference here today, general secretary of Sadar Hills District Demand Committee Thangkham Misao said the total bandh has been compelled yet again as the State Government has not been considering the genuine demand to convert Sadar Hills to a full-fledged revenue district which is being raised since 1972 .

Essential services and media would be exempted from the purview of the bandh, he said, while seeking the co-operation and support of all the people and the civil organisations in ensuring the success of the bandh.

Those who defy the bandh would be dealt with severely and they themselves should be help responsible for any consequences, he warned.

Thangkham recalled that in response to a question raised by the then Revenue Minister Hellauddin Khan in the Assembly on September 12, 1996, the Government had assured that Sadar Hills would be announced as a full-fledged revenue district on the same day of announcement of Imphal East District.

Then again on March 7, 1997, the then Governor of Manipur while giving his inaugural address of the Budget session had mentioned that district status would be granted to Sadar Hills.

On top of this, numerous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed between the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee and the Government from time to time.

But so far the demand for upgrading Sadar Hills into a full-fledged revenue district has not been fulfilled, he lamented while demanding to know the apprehension of the Government in granting district status to Sadar Hills.

He further demanded that the address of the Governor on the opening day of the Budget session of the Assembly slated to begin from February l should unfailing take note of the demand and the Minister concerned announced upgradation of Sadar Hills into a full-fledged revenue district during the course of the Assembly session without any fail.

Moreover, along with facilitating a serious discussion in connection with implementing the Panchayati Raj Act within the jurisdiction of Sadar Hills, the Assembly should also take a definite resolution on revocation of the Act in Sadar Hills area, he also demanded.

In case, all these demands are not going to be implemented by the Government then more intense and unceasing agitations would be launched, he warned.

Comment