IMPHAL October 24 : Post talks between the SHDDC and the Chief Minister yesterday, the public hopes that the scheduled talk between the two sides which was supposed to be held today may have a positive outcome fell short.
The proposed meeting failed to take place despite the assurance given by SHDDC general secretary Tonghen Kipgen to media persons late last night.
A press release signed by Tonghen Kipgen and president of SHDDC Ngamkhohao stated that even after seven rounds of talk with the Chief Minister, the Manipur government is still not able to come out with any concrete decision to inaugurate Sadar Hills as a full-fledged autonomous district which has been pending for the last 40 years.
It further stated that the Chief Minister on August 25 and September 1, had assured the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee that he will fulfill the demand within a period of two months, even though the state cabinet has formed a Committee on Re-organisation of Administrative and Police District Boundaries with a term of three months.
The Chief Minister himself has time and again promised before the media that he will solve the problem of Sadar Hills within two months starting from August amidst hopes and expectations for the Sadar Hills people. However, the Chief Minister has not translated his own words into action and his silent stand testifies his insincerity and wavering mind, it added.
Accordingly, the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee has resolved to continue with the economic blockade along the two national highways with more intensity. Furthermore, public rallies within Sadar Hills and general strikes throughout the state will be organised to press the government for realisation of the demand for districthood. As decided earlier, all government functions, election campaigns and all forms of electioneering still continue to be banned in Sadar Hills, it said.
The SHDDC also resolved to earnestly appeal to the people of Manipur and State Level Kut Committee not to organise Kut celebration on the 1st November 2011 and desist from organising the celebration in all the hill districts of Manipur, particularly in Sadar Hills.
It further voiced its regret that the auspicious occasion of Kut celebration could neither be participated nor organised by the Sadar Hills people in all its solemnity and gaiety.
It further expresses regret to the public for causing hardships due to the prolonged economic blockade which it said is due to misgovernance and the indifferent attitude of the state government towards the people of Sadar Hills for 40 years, the statement concluded.