Imphal, August 18: Tightening the noose against sponsors/organisers of bandh, blockade, general strike and economic blockade in Manipur, a meeting of the State Cabinet today has endorsed the Supreme Court judgement of processing legal action and institute civil suits in a competent court to recoup economic loss suffered from such sponsors/organisers.

Announcing the resolution of the Cabinet to mediaperson, Sports Minister N Biren said calling bandh and blockade in pursuance of any demand from the Government, which could be settled through discussion over the table, is illegal and unconstitutional.

The Cabinet meeting with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in the chair appealed to the general public including senior citizens, political/social workers, students, NGOs not to resort to such form of protest in future failing which it shall be taken as violation/contravention of the Supreme Court judgement and liable to be prosecuted under the provisions of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 as well as under section 8 B of the National Highways Act, 1957 and sections 384, 427 and 506 read with section 34 of Indian Penal Code.

The Cabinet took serious note of loss in State domestic products to the tune of Rs 1319.96 crores (Rs 246 crores in 2004-05, Rs 553.23 crores in 2005-06 and Rs 520.73 crores in 2006-upto 31-1-2007) in the last three years due to bandhs/blockades, the Minister informed.

Apart from the fact that the annual growth rate of Manipur during the 10th Five Year Plan was the lowest in India registering only 4.9 percent, the growth rate projected during the 11th Five Year Plan which started from April 1 this year is also one of the lowest, the Minister said, adding that calling of frequent bandhs and blockades, thus, affects the economy of the State and retards development.

He also informed of the Govt deciding to conduct election of the District Councils in six months.

Moreover, it resolved on giving more autonomy including financial power for further development of the District Councils.

The Cabinet also endorsed holding the election of the village chiefs within the stipulated period.

To look into necessary measures to be taken up in connection with giving more autonomy to the District Council ahead of the proposed election, a Committee headed by Chief Secretary has also be set up, the Minister disclosed, adding that Principal Secretary (Planning), Commissioner Finance and Law Secretary are the members of the Committee and Principal Secretary (Hills) its convenor.

On other developmental issues, the Minister disclosed that the Cabinet has approved expansion of the width of National Highway 39 from MU gate to Lilong bridge to 60 metres from the existing 50 metres on the side of the Lilong Hiden.

Though the Cabinet meeting discussed proposal of the All Political parties for convening an Assembly session to discuss the issue related to the memorandum jointly submitted to the Prime Minister by MP of Outer Manipur and six MLAs for integration of the incongruous Naga inhabited areas, a definite date for convening the Assembly was not taken, the Minister said.

Appointment of 10 Account Consultants for the Engineering Departments and 4 others for the Seri-culture Department have also been approved by the Cabinet, the Minister added.

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