Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 30:
Pressing its long standing demand, the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee has set August 15 as the deadline to upgrade Sadar Hills to a full fledged revenue district failing which various modes of intense agitation will be launched from the next day.
A team of SHDDC representatives including its president and general secretary talked with the Chief Minister over their demand during which the ultimatum was submitted to the Chief Minister.
The SHDDC team was assisted by Chairman of Hill Areas Committee Thangminlen Kipgen, MLAs Haokholet Kipgen and Doukhomang Khongsai in the talk.
Speaking to The Sangai Express after the talk, SHDDC president H Guite conveyed that the Committee will not talk any further with the Government if the Sadar Hills area compromising of Saikul, Saitu and Kangpokpi Assembly constituencies with a total population of 1.56 lakhs (approximately) is not granted district status by August 15.During the talk today, the Chief Minister reportedly acknowledged the Cabinet's approval to fulfil the people's demand while assuring the SHDDC delegates that the issue will be considered further after the scheduled Assembly session.
On the other hand, H Guite maintained that granting district status to Sadar Hills will not cost much as the mini-Secretariat is already there at Kangpokpi.
He also recalled of the many assurances and Cabinet approvals given by the previous Governments.