IMPHAL, Aug 31: The people of Sadar Hills have declined the appeal for suspension of economic blockade made by their MLAs and reaffirmed their firm stand on the creation of full-fledged district.
During a one-day consultative meeting on Sadar Hills districthood organized by Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee at Saikul Bazar today, the MLAs of Sadar Hills area, namely Thangminlien Kipgen, Doukhomang Khongsai and Haokholet Kipgen have made a collective appeal to the agitating people to suspend the blockade and other forms of agitation for some time in view of the recent state cabinet`s approval for the formation of Committee on Reorganisation of Administrative and Police District Boundary whose report is expected within three months.
However, the agitating Sadar Hills people strongly reacted to the appeal of the MLAs saying that the cabinet approval fo the formation of a committee is just a tactics to sideline the demand for districthood.
Ex-president, KSO Saikul, Thangyam Haokip asserted that the Sadar Hills people cannot accept the proposal of the state government as the present SPF government would be resolved by the time the committee submits its report.
The people could have accepted the proposal of the state government if it was only for a month, he noted.
The appeal for suspension of blokade can only be considered if the state government gives a written agreement on the creation of full-fledged Sadar Hills district, Thangyam contended.
Ex-MP and president of Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress, Kim Gangte stated that Sadar Hills is not only for the Kukis but also for other communities of the state.
The demand for Sadar Hills district has been almost 40 years much prior to Senapati district.The Kukis had not opposed to the creation of Senapati district as well as renaming of Tengnoupal as Chandel, she averred.
The creation of Sadar Hills is for the development of the state and so it would be good for all if the state government grants the districthood status as soon as possible. The Sadar Hills people also endorse the demand for Jiribam district, Kim asserted.
She further questioned the motive of the state government behind its inability to appoint a deputy commisioner and superintendent of police for the admininstration of a district.
Not a single medical staff has examined the health condition of 21 hunger strikers of sadar Hills even though 36 doctors have reportedly examined Anna Hazare in his few days of fast, she lamented.
Kim also asserted that the people of Sadar Hills have no faith in Chief Minister Okram Ibobi who himself has lost faith in his loyal people.
