IMPHAL, Oct 17(Newmai News Network): Seventeen different civil society organizations in Manipur have extended their support to the agitation launched under the aegis of Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee, SHDDC, on the demand of formation of Sadar Hills district, SHDDC president Ngamkhohao announced today.
This came after a consultative meeting between representatives of 17 civil bodies and SHDDC, which was held at Mini Secretariat Hall, Kangpokpi, Senapati district on Monday. The meeting was organized by SHDDC to seek views and opinion from the various NGOs regarding the blockade.
All the leaders of the different civil organizations agreed to support the ongoing movement of SHDDC after a marathon discussion.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Ngamkhohao said that because of their potential power of influence, the SHDDC decided to meet the organizations.
He said, ” We don’t believe in the Government’s re-organizing committee but at the same time we don’t object to it either. However, this should be done only after Sadar Hills district is inaugurated.”
When asked regarding lifting of the blockade, he said it would be called off automatically if the proposed Sadar Hills district is inaugurated before the upcoming polls.
Senior Citizen for Society president, N Binoy who also attended in the deliberation opined that Sadar Hills districthood demand should be granted as the Sadar Hills is needed a township status.
“We support the demand of SHDDC”, Binoy further said.
Friends president, Sapamcha Jadumani asserted that the divide and rule policy of the government of India should be stopped immediately.
The economic blockade imposed by SHDDC should be strengthened and continued further so that the government of India can hear the voice of the people.
“We will extend support to the SHDDC for anything”, Jadumani said.
K Madhumangol, advisor, ICHAM said the demand of SHDDC is a rightful demand. So, the government should try to solve it at the earliest. Accusing the central government for creating the present situation, he said if the Autonomous District Council could be constituted, then they also have the right to grant districthood to Sadar Hills.
Mapi Council president, Manihar also supported SHDDC and said that it was not the time to withdraw the blockade because the Government would hear the in the process and the demand will be fulfilled.
KT Rahman, All Manipur Club’s Organization (AMUCO), appealed to SHDDC to call off the economic blockade and look for other agitation to get the demand. He also appreciated SHDDC for organizing the consultative meeting by saying it was a good step and expressed hope for positive outcome.
The 17 civil organizations will later submit a memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi in connection with the Sadar Hills district demand.
The different organization which participated in today’s consultative meeting include All Manipur Clubs’ Organization (AMUCO), Senior Citizen for Society. Information Centre Hills Area Manipur (ICHAM), HERICOUN, Federation of Regional Indigenous Society (FREINDS), United People Front (UPF), Universal Mothers’ Association (UMO), Manipur Student’s Federation (MSF), Kangleipak Student’s Association(KSA), All Chingmi Tami Apunba Nupi Lup, Manipur Peace and Integrity Council, NIPCO, IPSA etc.