Imphal, Jan 19: The Joint Delegation of Joint Forum for Peace (JFP)- is a conglomeration of 64 organizations from hill and valley of Manipur, today meet the Union Home Minister Rajnath and News Delhi and apprises the present hardship face by the people of the state due to the 80 days economic blockade enforce by the UNC on both highways in Manipur.
The 18 member delegation led by UCM President, Johnson Elangbam drew the attention of the Union Home Minister to the present crisis in the state due to the prolong economic blockade in the state. The UCM President on behalf of the delegation also urged the Union home Minister to appeal the NSCN-IM, which is the mother body of the UNC to end the economic blockade.
The Union Home Minister had assured all possible help to end the prolonged economic blockade, a member of the CSO, who met the HM. The meeting with the Manipur’s CSOs delegates begins at 10.10 am today and lasted about 20 minutes.
While assuring all possible assistance, the Home Minister said that it is upto the state government that has to tackle the situation, for the he met the CM of Manipur yesterday. The HM also said that as code of conduct is in force the center nd to consult with the ECI for any eventualities.
Later after the meeting, the Joint Forum for Peace organized a press conference at Manipur Information Center, Emporium Complex Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place at 3.30 pm.
Earlier yesterday, Union Home Minister Rajnath Summon Manipur Chief Minister of Manipur and Nagaland and discussed about the prevailing issue.
During the meeting the Home Minister expressed his grave concern over the continued blockade of National Highway-2 causing severe difficulties to the people of Manipur specially with regard to availability of essential commodities. Shri Rajnath Singh further stated that continued blockade is likely to adversely affect democratic process in the forthcoming elections by hampering movement of people, including election officials.
Recounting the kind of assistance provided to the state government in finding a solution to the ongoing crisis, Rajnath Singh stated that it is the Constitutional obligation of Government of Manipur to maintain public order in the State including maintenance of essential supplies and conducive atmosphere for holding elections. He called upon the Chief Minister to discharge this obligation responsibly, in the interest of people of Manipur. If more forces are required for this, that would be made available by Government of India. But it is critical that Government of Manipur should not be lacking in its will to restore normalcy.
The Union Home Minister made it clear that if Government of Manipur fails in its Constitutional duties, Government of India may have to explore other measures under the provisions of Constitution of India to ensure that difficulties of people of Manipur are alleviated.
