Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Take Favourable Action To End Economic Blockade In Manipur. on 29 August, 2011
> Title: Need to take favourable action to end economic blockade in Manipur.
DR. THOKCHOM MEINYA (INNER MANIPUR): Manipur is once again under siege – this time by two economic blockades on the only two lifeline National Highways of the State. One blockade is called by Sadar Hills District-hood Demand Committee (SHDDC) from 1 August and the other, a counter blockade is called by the United Naga Council. These blockades have made the lives of common people in the State really miserable. We are still haunted by the terrible 68 days Naga-sponsored economic blockade which happened during last year. Availability of essential commodities including life-saving drugs and petroleum products are seriously affected. Their prices have gone high . Whatever might be the genuineness of any demand, putting the lives of common people at ransom is not the right path. We can sincerely make an attempt to find the solution through negotiations by putting forward opinions across the table. The demand of SHDDC is four decade old. The Parliament passed Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act 1971. This Act provide for creation of six Autonomous District Councils and five districts have already been created. Only Sadar Hills District was left out. It deserves and requires a very serious retrospection. The primary responsibility of the Government is to protect the life and property of its citizens, I sincerely urge upon the Union Government to kindly intervene and help the State Government resolve the impasse immediately.