IMPHAL, Sept 9: Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) has given a clarion call to its supporters to arm themselves with “weapons” in a desperate attempt to attain the demand for the creation of full-fledged Sadar Hills district.
In a statement issued jointly by the SHDDC secretaries Tonghen Kipgen and Ngamkohao Haokip, the SHDDC pledged never to give up the agitations until and unless the government agrees to grant full-fledged district to Sadar Hills.
The people of Sadar Hills under the aegis of SHDDC have firmly resolved to intensify the ongoing agitation and fight it to its logical conclusion following two decisive meetings.
Citing possible complexity ahead, the SHDDC advised the people to stock up essential commodities and foods for at least two months.
“The decision of SHDDC is legitimized by the village chiefs and therefore the people must stand by the decision of the demand committee. We must be ready with any weapon grade objects at our disposal,” the statement mentioned.
It is also observed that the people of Sadar Hills must be alert to prevent any eventuality that might arise in the foreseeable future,” before calling on the people of Sadar Hills to collectively reaffirm their commitment on the issue and fight towards its attainment.
In the meantime, conditions of the hunger strikers are fast deteriorating and in the event of dead to any of the hunger strikers, the people must be prepared, it said.
The people of Sadar Hills must be ready to hit back full intensity by plundering and razing government offices and properties in the area at the same time ready to fight against the offensive of state forces.
“We are prepared for the worst” further warned the statement.
SHDDC further called on the people of the area to observe hunger strike on September 11 across Sadar Hills in solidarity to the hunger strikers besides staging mass sit-in demonstration and offer prayers in and around the protest sites.
Meanwhile, nine trucks which came along with the convoy of 43 Assam Rifles were burnt down by the volunteers of Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee at Keithelmanbi along NH-39 at around 8:50 pm today.
Several trucks escorted by the personnel of 43 AR reached Keithelmanbi at around 5:30pm claiming that they were on Army duty.
On suspicion, the women protestors try to verify the trucks. Among those trucks some turned out to be civilian trucks.
Thereupon, the agitated women burnt down nine trucks. All the trucks have been completely destroyed during the arson.
In the confrontation with the Assam Rifles personnel, at least six women protestors were seriously injured. They have been admitted to Kangpokpi CHC and KCC Hospital.