Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 09:
Strongly protesting the failure of the Government to meet the fertiliser demands of the farmers, the people of Kakching came out in full strength and staged a sit-in-protest on NH-39 cutting off the Imphal-Moreh line since yesterday.
The matter was however resolved in a late evening development when the Chief Minister assured the MLA of Kakching, Th Tomba and other representatives of Kakching that fertilisers would be made available to the farmers by August 11.Following the assurances of the Chief Minister the people of Kakching decided to suspend their agitation and a meeting with the Chief Minister is lined up for August 11 morning where the amount of fertilisers to made available to the public will be known.
At the moment there are 7 truck loads of fertilisers at Kangla but since this will not be able to meet the demand of the farmers, the same will be distributed when another 50 trucks carrying fertilisers reach Imphal from Jiribam.
Even as the people were protesting at Kakching, the people of Thoubal also staged a similar protest blocking NH-39.The people of Thoubal came out on the street while the MLA of Kakching and DC of Thoubal district were trying to pacify the agitated people of Kakching.
The people of Thoubal later went to the official residence of the Chief Minister to air their grievances.
What proved to be the last straw for the people of Thoubal was the failure to distribute fertilisers at the police station even though Agriculture Minister Ph Parijat had yesterday assured that the same would be distributed through the dealers at the police stations.
Representatives of the Apunba Loumee Lup of Moirang also met the Chief Minister to demand their share of fertilisers.
After the CM explained the shortage of fertilisers, the Loumee Lup asked him to spell out when it would be available.
However the CM refused to give to give a date.
To protest the failure of the Chief Minister to give a date, a rally will be taken out at Moirang tomorrow from 11 am.
Yesterday about 1000 farmers from Kakching marched up to the residence of the Chief Minister and demanded that fertiliser be made available to them.
A dharna was staged in front of the Chief Minister's bungalows.
Since early morning today, a large number of people came out on the streets and blocked NH-39 at Kakching Lamkhai.
Vehicular movement was stopped and only vehicles of security force and media were allowed to pass through.