Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 17:
The proscribed People's Revolutionary Front (RPF) and its armed wing PLA has decided to boycott the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to the State tomorrow.
A statement issued by Assistant Secretary, Communication and Publicity RPF, Lily Leima asserted that under the self-seeking rule of the Government of India the people of Manipur are being treated in the most bestial manner.
The unparalleled six year long fasting by Irom Sharmila is still not enough to rattle the conscience of the Indian political leaders rather they are detaining the non-violent hunger striker all these years.
Moreover, many Manipuri women were raped with their hands tied behind by security forces in front of their husbands, to all of which the Government only remained a silent spectator.
The Government of India cannot perceive anything beyond swapping swarm of flies when people are slaughtered by security forces under impunity granted by AFSPA as long as it happens in Manipur, said Lily.
Such worthless lives of impoverished Manipuri people are commanding extra importance at the time of elections which is nothing but an instrument to perpetuate colonial rule in the State, the statement said.
Reminding that RPF has been boycotting visits of Indian leaders responsible for the colonial policy imposed in Manipur, it conveyed that RPF and PLA would boycott the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh who is coming to the State in the guise of a step mother tomorrow.
In addition to boycotting the Prime Minister's visit, the outfit has also called general strike with effect from 6 am till 6 pm tomorrow.
Emergency and essential services like medical, electricity, water supply and fire brigade would be exempted from the purview of the general strike, mentioned the statement.