IMPHAL, November 6: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has today gave a clarion call to all agitating groups not to further impose any forms of disturbances along the national highways of the state for the government is ready face any eventuality to clear the lifelines of the state.
The Chief Minister stated this while responding to queries raised by the media persons at the sideline of a flagship programme of the SPF government held today at Wangoi bazaar.
While admitting to the poor stock position of petroleum products in the state, Chief Minister clarified that it was due to the economic blockades, bandhs above all due to the bad shape of a bridge along the Silchar-Jiribam road.
He further asserted that he had spoken to the Chief Minister of Assam and have received his assurance to restore the bridge soon and at the same time the government is sorting out other alternative means to improve the situation at the earliest, he said.
Further when asked about the status of the government regarding negotiations with the agitators especially the UNC whose counter blockade is still continuing, the Chief Minister revealed that the government has appealed the UNC not to impose blockades and further appealed to the Jiribam District Demand Committee which is likely to impose a general strike. He further stated that the UNC had already imposed its 72 hours general strike even before the closed door meeting with the Union home minister P Chidambaram at Senapati during his recent visit to the state, however the general strike will end today.
When queried on the government’s stance if any groups will further imposed blockades, strikes, the Chief Minister disclosed that the government will be left with no choice but to use all available measures to open one of the lifelines even if opening both the highways is not possible.
In his response to whether the government’s plan to approach the Supreme Court in the wake of its ruling against imposing bandhs, blockades, the Chief Minister said, “We’ll try to negotiate with the agitators and if this does not work, we use all means as our tolerance limit is over”.
“How will we survive if all our lifelines are closed, we have to face any eventuality, everybody have the right to demand but not by imposing strikes, blockades”, further asserted the Chief Minister.
Earlier during his speech during the programme, Chief Minister Ibobi reiterated the commitment of the SPF of safeguarding the territory integrity of the state and maintaining peace, unity and development in the state.
He further urged the people to refrain from communalizing any issue and rather work for a common cause.
The Chief Minister also further announced that the Wangoi Nagar Panchayat has been converted into Municipality status.
Silchar MLA and North East in charge of AICC, Sushmita Dev, who also attended the function, while addressing the gathering, highlighted the effort of the AICC chief Sonia Gandhi who has been pursuing to pass the 33 percent reservation for women in the parliament and stated that there will be a great change in the entire country.
She further appealed to the women community and all the Congress leaders at the block level, state level etc to take a vital role in empowering the women.
The flagship programme was attended by MPCC chief, Gaikhangam, power minister, Punzathang Tonsing.