IMPAHL, October 7(newmai news network): A large number of school students from Saikul area in Senapati district on Friday took out a rally demanding districthood status to the Sadar Hills.
On Friday Sadar Hills District Private Schools’ Association Saikul block submitted a memorandum to the state Chief Minister asking for ending of hardships being faced by the student community resulting out of the imposition of economic blockade. It also urged the Chief Minister to solve the impasse on the demand for Sadar Hills districthood at the earliest.
The rally which was organized by the Sadar Hills District Private Schools’ Association Saikul Block under the banner, “ In endorsement of Sadar Hills Districthood” and “ We demand granting of districthood to Sadar Hills for peace and conducive living atmostphere”, started from Thangtong Higher Secondary School and ended at SDO office, Saikul and submitted a memorandom to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh through the SDO there.
The memorandom says, “With your past experiences gained from weathering through the rough weather of socio-economic confrontations of the state, and looking forward to a third term stint at the helm of the state’s administration as one of the most revered Chief Ministers of the state, we take this opportunity in drawing your utmost attention towards solving the impasse on Sadar Hills Districthood demand and ending of sufferings confronting the common people, particularly the student community resulting out of Sadar Hills wide agitations and the government’s failure to arrive at an amicable solution till date”.
It further stated that one wonders as to why the people of Sadar Hills have not been agreeable to lift the economic blockade along the national highways and ending of all forms of agitations despite repeated assurances and appeals from both the government and civil society organisations.
It has been a well-known fact that similar such promises and assurances were made but turned out to be a tall tales of lies. For how long would the government take to solving this stalemate is a matter of serious concern today. “The Naga frontal organizations opposing to the move of the SHDDC, particularly by the UNC is a matter of surprise if the case of granting districthood to the autonomous district councils of Ukhrul and Tamenglong are to be considered and that too, in line with the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 1971,” the memo said while ading, “Was there any opposition raised by the Kukis inhabitating in those districts.”
Today’s rally was participated by hundreds of students from nine schools from surrounding area of Saikul headquarters.
Placards which read, “Government must prove its sincerity and commitment “, “ spare our future”, “ patience has limits” and “ Mr. CM, a hungry man is an angry man” were seen held by the students.