Senapati organisations warn of ‘indefinite blockade’

Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 19 (EMN): Civil society organisations in Senapati, Manipur, have decided to impose ‘indefinite economic blockade’ along National Highway 2 with effect from 6 pm of May 20, if the Manipur government fails to meet their demand submitted earlier.

On May 17, they had submitted an ultimatum to the chief minister of Manipur demanding immediate suspension of the deputy commissioner of Senapati within 48 hours, accusing the latter of violating Covid-19 protocols by ‘giving safe passage to 36 returnees from outside the state and hosting them at a non-designated quarantine centre.

Two returnees from among the 36 persons had tested positive for Covid-19 on May 16, according to a student leader from Senapati.

A press release issued by the organisations on Tuesday stated the 48-hour deadline ended at 6 pm of May 19.

‘And with no action being taken up to meet the demand, the Naga People’s Organisation, Senapati District Students’ Association and Senapati District Women Association, on behalf of the general public, have given Manipur government another 24 hours to fulfil our demand with effect from 6 pm, May 19,’ it stated.

The decision was taken during an emergency consultative meeting held on Tuesday.

“The organisations are not against the state government of Manipur but to demand justice of the general public of Senapati,” it stated further.

The governor of Manipur had issued an order on May 18, transferring the deputy commissioner of Senapati to Kangpokpi district.