Empty streets likely to greet Sonia
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 09 2010:
Several civil organisations have decided to boycott the scheduled visit of AICC president and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi's visit to the State.
They have also called a 15 hour general strike on November 12, the day of Sonia Gandhi's visit, over the Government of India's refusal to disclose the whereabouts of UNLF Chairman RK Meghen alias Sanayaima.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here this afternoon, UPF general secretary O Bikramjit said that the decision to boycott Sonia Gandhi's visit and impose a general strike on the day was arrived at during a meeting of 17 civil organisations held today.
The meeting also strongly condemned the complete silence on the whereabouts of Meghen alias Sanayaima since he was reportedly arrested at Dhaka on September 29 last.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the All Manipur Social Reformation and Development Samaj, Universal Mothers Organisation, All Manipur Chingmi-Tammi Apunba Nupi Lup, Ereibak Enat Chanura Loina Sillon, Thoubal District United Women's Development Organisation, United People's Administrative Council, National Identity Protection Committee, Manipur Peace and Integrity Council, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation, All Manipur Students' Union, All Manipur Ethno-Socio-Cultural Organisation, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Nupi Lup, United People's Front Manipur, Chanura Lamjinglen Kangleipak, Kangleipak Students' Association, Ethno Heritage Council and Momnu Irikhombi Lup.
The joint meeting resolved to call a general strike with effect from 2 am of November 12 till 5 pm, Bikramjit said.
He further appealed to transporters and the general public to suspend transport service on the day and stay away from welcoming Sonia Gandhi.
Pointing out that RK Meghen alias Sanayaima was born in Manipur and grew up in the State, Bikramjit demanded disclosure of Meghen's position and whereabouts.
He said that the civil organisations have agreed to launch different modes of agitation.
He appealed to the Government to produce Meghen before court and conduct trial according to law of the land.
The meeting also agreed that the political conflict between Manipur and India should be resolved through democratic means.
Emergency services and religious functions would be exempted from the purview of the general strike, Bikramjit added.