Additional central forces rushed for national highways protection.
Terming blockades anywhere in India “a gross violation of law and a crime against humanity” the Union home ministry has appealed to the United Naga Council (UNC) to lift its “illegal” blockade.
“It (Centre) appeals to the United Naga Council to remove its illegal blockade in view of the difficulties faced by the people of Manipur. All contentious issues need to be settled peacefully by democratic and lawful means,” a release issued by PIB on its official website quoting the Union home ministry said.
The statement further said that the Centre has provided 30 companies of central forces for Manipur to assist the state government in lifting the blockade.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs has watched with concern the ongoing blockade on NH-37 in Manipur and the consequent shortages of essential commodities faced by the people of Manipur. The government of India is firmly committed to maintaining rule of law. It considers blockades anywhere in India a gross violation of law and a crime against humanity causing untold suffering to countless humans. No individual or organisation will be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” the release said.
It further said the government of India has remained committed to ensuring that the routes to Manipur are open and remain accessible to all including supplies of petroleum products and other essential commodities including foodstuff.
“Accordingly it had placed 15 companies of central forces stationed in Manipur at the disposal of the state government. Last week another 15 companies of central forces were made available to the state government to enable the state government to have the blockade lifted,” the release said.
The Centre hopes that the state government will act with responsibility and maturity to ensure both the maintenance of supplies to Manipur as well as social harmony. Home ministry will provide additional forces to the state government if necessary.
The government of India expects all to cooperate with the government of India’s resolve to both maintain rule of law and supplies of commodities to Manipur, it said.
Official sources here said some of the additional companies provided by the Centre have reached, but most of them are yet to arrive. Some of the companies are on the way towards Manipur, the sources said.
Source: Imphal Free Press
