MPP slams SPF Govt, calls it ineffective
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 10 2011: Noting hardships being endured by the common people due to shortage of essential commodities triggered by the continuous agitation in demand for upgrading Sadar Hills to a full-fledged revenue district, the opposi- tion Manipur People's Party (MPP) has accused the State Government of being ineffective in addres- sing the situation.

Speaking to newspersons at its Mapal Kangjeibung office here today, MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang held the Government responsible for the hardships faced by the people with the contention that effective security measure on both the National Highways can safe passage of transporters.Pointing out that agitation epicentres stretching from Kangpokpi upto Sekmai on the Imphal-Dimapur NH-39 route is only about 25 kilometres and from Keithelmanbi upto Kotlien along the Imphal-Jiribam NH-53 route is about 10/11 kilometres, the MPP chief termed as absurd inability of the Government to secure these routes.

Suggesting that Central para-military forces deployed in the State could be utilised to escort transporters in case of inadequacy of state forces, he posed as to why all the available resources are not being used to mitigate ever growing problem of the people.

Dr Luwang also wryly remarked that with nearly 20,000 VDF (village defence force) personnel available at its disposal, the Government could secure the said highway stretches by simply lining up the VDF personnel.

Accusing traders of causing artificial shortage of essential items taking advantage of the situation, he alleged that inspite of adequate stock of goods in the private godowns the same are being put on sale in smaller quantities to extract maximum benefit.

The former Minister also blamed the Government for the inconveniences faced by hundreds of passengers who are stranded along the route and regretted that inefficiency of the SPF Government to tackle the situation has resulted in many drivers suffering injuries and scores of vehicles torched by the agitators.

Asserting that it is the responsibility of the present Government to resolve the Sadar Hills issue, he categorically remarked that as there is no sign of the turmoil receding it could be safely concluded that the Government has failed in every aspect.

Pointing out that genesis of the present crisis is due to the Government's failure to clearly demarcate boundaries of districts concerned, Dr Luwang also cited incompetency of the Chief Minister for the people suffering untold miseries.

He further expressed that people settling along the highways resorting to blockade of important routes to air their demand is not a healthy trend and might not have many well-wishers however genuine or justifiable the agitators' demand might be.

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