Bandhs, blockades severely hit Manipur, national economy: CM Khemchand Singh

Imphal, August 7 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday said that ongoing bandhs, blockades and other forms of agitation along the highways have severely affected the economy of both the state and the country, stressing the need to ensure uninterrupted movement of goods and people.

Inaugurating a two-day consultative meeting cum seminar on the demographic profile of Manipur, the Chief Minister said that such agitations hurt daily wage earners the most.

The event was jointly organised by the state’s Home Department and the Manipur State Population Commission.

Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh said that the ongoing blockade has also caused serious problems for truck drivers who are stranded on national highways while transporting essential goods to the state.

He assured that the state government is always ready to support any steps and actions that benefit the general public.

Expressing confidence in the outcome of the discussions, the Chief Minister said that he believes that the suggestions and resolutions adopted by experts will be for the welfare of the people.

He stressed that all recommendations must be within the provisions of the Constitution of India and appealed to the public not to resort to any kind of agitation that may disrupt the normal daily activities of citizens.

In his address, Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh said that the Manipur government has already informed the Central government of its willingness to conduct an NRC (National Register of Citizens) exercise in the state under the constitutional and legal framework.

He informed the gathering that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has already constituted a High-Level Committee to study demographic changes in the country. The minister further stated that although there may be political or ideological differences, people should come together for the larger interest of the public and work to resolve issues faced by the indigenous people of the state.

The inaugural function was attended by Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar, State Population Commissioner M. Manimoham Meitei, Secretary, Manipur State Population Commission Dr M. Veto Singh, leaders of various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), community leaders, women leaders, intellectuals, academicians and officials of the Home Department, among others.