URF wants check on outside dependence

IMPHAL, April 9: The United Revolutionary Front (URF) on Tuesday said the people of Manipur should understand the living standard of the state and learn to live on their own by improving their work culture according to one’s skill, occupation and experience and give up the idea of dependence of economy to others.

URF in a statement signed by its secretary, information and publicity AK Pibarel said it is not right to let the outsiders claim ownership of all the professional works in the state and that the indigenous people should be the right owners of Manipur and its markets including all kinds of occupations or professions.

All the private enterprises, private companies, small scale industries, handloom and handicrafts owned by our entrepreneurs and farmers should be encouraged and expanded, URF said.

It also said the Ima market should be converted into a marvellous market in the world with surplus handloom products by adding and introducing more scientific looms on top of the conventional looms used by local women weavers which in turn can produce quality textile goods.

Lauding the local women self-help groups for their significant contribution to the society, the outfit further said a great quantity of products are expected from these women groups and that the market occupied by outsiders should have to be grabbed by all means. The only practical way for such move is to displace the goods at the market by our local products as much as we can.

The URF will take up a series of initiatives for the development and upliftment of Manipuri’s economy and appealed the public to support it.

Noting India as a big and powerful country, URF said the people should keep in mind that India has also its weak points in certain areas. The Indian soldiers in Manipur are not only for engaging in fights but they have intruded into the land to exterminate the people, URF alleged.

There will be no other alternative except to engage the Indian soldiers by using the utmost strength and forcibly take the right to self-determination of Manipur from India, URF further added.

Stating that the people should not be afraid of death as it is the destiny of all, URF further sought the support of the people in its freedom struggle.