IMPHAL, December 3 (NNN): All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation warned that if the present situation gets out of hand and takes the shape of a communal flare-up, both the state and central governments should be held responsible. AMUCO is concerned that the two governments have not been able to act on the situation on time, saying both the counter-blockade and blockade that have had resulted in destruction and burning of essential commodities and vehicles are both destructive and against the democratic norms. Social networking sites and their users, the general public, in the state have been appealed by AMUCO to refrain from toning up communal rhetoric that could flare up communal passion amidst the volatile situation. AMUCO, United Committee Manipur (UCM) and Committee on Civil Sociteis, Kangleipak (CCSK) recently joined hands with JAC Sadar Hills, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) on the Sadar Hills issue. A joint delegation of these organisations also urged the Manipur government to grant district status to Sadar Hills and Jiribam before the ensuing state assembly polls. The JAC Sadar Hills says conversion of Sadar Hills in Senapati district only aims to enable administrative conveniences and that if granted, the Kukis, Nagas, Nepalis and Meiteis will be benefitted equally. It said the United Naga Council should not claim ownership over Sadar Hills. UNC, the apex body of Naga organisations in Manipur has been strongly opposing the Manipur government from making Sadar Hills and Jiribam as full-fledged revenue districts. The UNC kicked-off the indefinite economic blockade from November 1 causing severe disruption to transportation of consumer goods from Assam to Manipur. The Meitei (Meetei) Nationalist Party (MNP) said UNC’s stiff opposition against the district formation indicates its intent to consolidate Naga separatist movement by means of committing “unlawful activities” within the state. Manipur People’s Party (MPP), the oldest regional political outfit of Manipur, staged a sit-in protest in front of party office here yesterday during which the party blamed the state BJP and ruling Congress for the prolonged blockade. The Manipur Nationalist Democratic Front (MNDF) has sought Centre’s intervention in the ongoing blockade and demanded that President’s Rule should be imposed in the state in view of the inability shown by the Okram Ibobi headed government in tackling the blockade issue. The party also appealed to the state government to invite UNC to the negotiating table over the blockade issue. UNC president Gaidon Kamei and its information and publicity secretary SK Stephen are now currently in the custody of Manipur Police after they were arrested by the police on charges of spearheading the blockade. Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has already said the two Naga leaders will be prosecuted under the law. Meanwhile, local organisations in Pungdongbam area of Imphal East today imposed counter-blockade forcing several loaded-vehicles on Imphal-Ukhrul road to leave behind all essential commodities there. The local club informed that all owners of the goods can claim after the ongoing UNC-sponsored indefinite blockade was brought to an end.
