Economic blockade begins in Assam sub-division

KARIMGANJ (ASSAM): An economic blockade began today at Jirighat in Lakhipur sub-division of Assam against the alleged harassment of non-Manipuris in Manipur in the wake of demand for introduction of Inner Line Permit (ILP) raised by the Joint Committee.

Pradip Kumar Dey, the chief convener of the North East People's Organisations (NEPO) which has given the call for blockade, in a statement asked as to why were the non-Manipuris being subjected to harassment in Manipur though there was no objection from the non Manipuris to ILP.

"Why should then they be subjected to physical and mental harassment", Dey questioned.

He referred to Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh which have ILP but on this issue there was no incident of torture or harassment of the non indigenous people moving from the plains.

He alleged that non-Manipuris in large numbers have started entering neighbouring Cachar district of Assam for safety and shelter.

Extending her support to the blockade, Sushmita Dev, local Congress MP, said she would discuss the issue with Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh.

Amra Bangali, West Bengal committee, recently held a protest demonstration before the office of the Joint Resident Commissioner of Manipur in Kolkata and handed over a memorandum to him asking for an end to the "ongoing physical and mental torture of non-Manipuris".