SHDDC suspends general strike after UNC but economic blockade to stay

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IMPHAL, Sept 6: The Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) has finally announced to suspend the general strike from today midnight. However, the economic blockade imposed on both the national highways will be continued indefinitely.

It may be mentioned that the United Naga Council (UNC) has also withdrawn total bandh on the national highways yesterday with the exception on economic blockade.

Talking to media persons in this regard today at Motbung, the SHDDC spokesperson, Seikhothang Haokip said, “We have decided to suspend our strike mainly taking into consideration the hardship caused to the people of Manipur by the absence of the irresponsible Chief Minister of Manipur who is on luxurious sojourn amidst tumultuous situations in the state”, besides that taking into consideration of the appeal from the home minister, P. Chidambaram.

He further asserted that the economic will however imposed until their demand for inaugurating Sadar hills into full fledged district.

Condemning the Tokyo trip of the Chief Minister, Seikhothang revealed that the lack of concern and seriousness shown towards the Chief Minister has hurt the sentiment of the Sadar hills people adding he appeal the government to immediately inaugurate Sadar Hills as a full fledged district as per Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous district council Act, 1971 without further delay.

He warned that the state government shall be held responsible for any unsavory consequences if the inauguration of Sadar Hills as a full fledged district is further delayed.

Thangkam Lupheng, the vice president of SHDDC, claimed that the decision for suspension is also a test on the ‘sincerity and seriousness’ of the government. The SHDDC without any warning will re-impose the general strike if they fail to see any positive sign from the government’s side, he warned.   

While strongly objecting the interpretation of Sadar Hills as Kuki district, he asked any individuals or groups to refrain from using any provocative statement which could invite communal tension between different communities. Sadar Hills district is for the welfare and development of all the communities residing in the Sadar Hills area, he clarified.

Thangkam Lupheng also condemned the recent statement of works minister K. Ranjit who brand Sadar Hills as a district based on single community in a public function. He said that it was very unfortunate to hear irresponsible statement from a responsible minister and questioned the communal intention of the works minister.

Chongbem, a woman representative, said “We are not happy with the decision of suspension of the strike. However, we will not go against the decision of the committee”.

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