Imphal, May 21 2010: Protest demonstrations participated by leaders and workers of the MPP today marched in four districts of the state demanded protection of right to life of the people by ensuring normal flows of essential commodities in the state which has been disturbed by the prolong imposition of economic blockade on the national highways passing through the state.

The rallies followed by sit-in protests were carried out at Langthabal Lap Mayai Leikai of Imphal west, Lamlong Bazar of Imphal east, Nambol Bazar in Bishnupur and Khangabok in Thoubal and submitted memoranda to the state Chief Secretary through the DCs and SDOs of the districts.

The memoranda demanded government efforts to open the national highways of the people of the state and resume normal flow of essential goods supply to the people and protect the right to life of the people of the state affected by the economic blockade on lifelines of the state.

The sit-in protests were staged from 10 am till 3 pm.

Government should it best to bring an end to the economic blockade on the highways by negotiating with the agitating groups considering the woes of the people.

They also demanded immediate opening of the highways by anyhow so that people could get relief from the non-availability of the essential goods items.

They also drew the attention of authorities of the Central government directly deal with the situation of the state and relief the people from clutch of artificial scarcity of foods.

Speaking to reporters, MPP president, Nimaichand Luwang said the indefinite economic blockade coupled with the protest raised in connection with proposed but now deferred visit of rebel leader Muivah has totally cut-off the two national highways, NH-53 and NH-39 and due to stoppage of the procurement of essential commodities, the people of the state are facing artificial shortage of these items.

Prices of all essential commodities have been sky rocketed, he said adding that the rice per kg has risen to Rs 150 in Tamenglong district.

The price of LPG rose to Rs 1500 in the grey market, petrol cost Rs 150 per litre, and kerosene cost Rs 60 per litre.

Despite its hiked price, people could not get the item in the markets.

Amidst this, farmers are now not getting fertilizers which would be experienced a shortfall in the production of rice in the next season.

Non-availability of vehicle fuel has led to the closure of schools which add another impact to the students had affected their academic atmosphere for more than four months last year.

The prevailing situation indicated that the Secular Progressive Front government in the state is totally failed.

It is functioning no more.

Stock position of the essential commodities could not be maintained.

Despite the directive of the High Court banning imposition of blockade on the highways amounting to cutting the lifelines of the people, Manipur government could not taken up appropriate action against the students' body.

Even though, the students' body tries to kill the people of the state, Chief Minister, O Ibobi could do nothing.

He could not take up action against the blockade sponsoring body, he said criticizing the SFP government.

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