Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 26:
The Lok Sabha MP from Manipur Dr Thokchom Meinya Singh has urged the Central Government to extend all possible assistance to the Government of Manipur in its efforts to resolve the ongoing economic blockade.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha today, Dr Meinya, who managed to take the first chance to raise the matter during Zero Hour of the current Monsoon session today, said the ongoing economic blockade imposed by All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) on the two lifelines of Manipur- NH-39 and NH-53, has seriously affected the State's economy.
Drawing the attention of the House, Dr Meinya said that �the suffering of the people of Manipur knows no bound and it is all the more for our brethren in the hill districts' because of the indefinite economic blockade since the midnight of June 19.The essential commodities are not available in the markets and even if they are available, their prices have touched the sky, he said.
For instance, he said, rice is sold above Rs 60 a kilogram, a litre of petrol is sold at Rs 100 and above while a gas cylinder costs more than Rs 700.A bridge on the National Highway 53 connecting Imphal with Silchar in Assam, was recently dismantled by blockade supporters.
The State has been suffering quite a lot during the last more than one month, Dr Meinya added.
The MP from Manipur said �enough is enough whatever might be the reason, every issue can always be resolved through dialogues.
Offer of dialogues by the State Govt being not accepted, the blockade still continues.
This situation cannot be allowed to continue further and the people of Manipur should not be subjected to this kind of treatment'.