Imphal, August 16: Going on the offensive against all militant groups operating in Manipur, Chief Minister O Ibobi has asked whether the armed groups are really doing anything for the welfare of the people or not.

Addressing a function held in connection with, the celebration of Independence Day at the Parade ground of 1st MR yesterday, the Chief Minister said that far from doing anything for the welfare of the people, the different underground organisations have put a spanner to all developmental works taken up in Manipur.

Without taking names, the Chief Minister said that work at the BT Flyover has been suspended following a massive monetary demand from one underground organisation.

What is more the armed group has also threatened the people concerned with the construction of the flyover, added the Chief Minister.

Even though preparations were taken up to resume work at the flyover, the indefinite blockade halted the arrival of essential construction material, said the Chief Minister.

Pointing an accusing finger at the underground organisations, the Chief Minister said that the armed groups impose heavy taxes on all the goods trucks coming to Manipur to deliver essential commodities to the people.

The Chief Minister further said that the illegal tax imposed on the goods laden trucks range from a few thousand of rupees to Rs 17 thousand and added that for a truckload of iron being brought in, the going rate of tax imposed is about Rs 20,000.As the armed groups have been levying heavy taxes on all goods leaden trucks including trucks which bring in essential commodities, developmental works have been hit hard, said the Chief Minister.

Taking a dig at the militant organisations, the Chief Minister asked whether these instances show they are working for the welfare of the people or not.

On the impasse with All Naga Students' Association, Manipur, the Chief Minister appealed to the student body to come to the negotiating table and talk things over to resolve the matter.

ANSAM had called off the economic, blockade temporarily while placing the onus of finding a solution on the Govt.The function kicked off with the Chief Minister hoisting the tri-colour at the Parade Ground.

On the importance of celebrating the day, Ibobi said that it is only right (hat the people should come together as one to pay respect to the martyrs who laid down their lives to light for the freedom and sovereignty of the country.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister gave the salute to the march past led by the CO of 1st IRB Laxmi Prasad Chettry and conferred gallantry and meritorious awards to seven policemen.

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