Imphal, April 19: In connection with the announcement jointly made by the Left Parties and United National Progressive Alliance to launch week-long nation-wide campaign against hike in price of essential commodities from April 16 to 23, the Left Co-ordination Committee, Manipur would be organising a public convention on April 21 at Manipur Press Club here.

The convention would be addressed by leaders of various political parties in the State.

In a statement, the Left Co-ordination Committee has appealed to all the students, youth, women, trade union leaders, farmers, employees and representatives of social organisations to come and participate in the convention.

Some of the main demands to be raised include to stop hike in prices of essential commodities by the Govt immediately, streamlining and strengthening of the Public Distribution System, amendment of the Essential Commodities Act so as to enable the Govt in taking up action against unscrupulous traders and black marketers who are hoarding essential commodities, to reduce the rate of custom and excise duties imposed on oil, to reduce the price of petrol and diesel and to stop future trading on 25 agricultural products.

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