Bhupen Goswami
Guwahati: People in Manipur are almost on the verge of starvation after food supplies were stopped following violence on May 3. Almost all traders and suppliers in Imphal said there was no stock of grains, pulses, edible oil, potatoes, etc. The Manipur government has been trying to bring trucks of food and petroleum products for the past few days. Most of the trucks in Kangpokpi district were looted and vehicles burnt and hence all the truck drivers returned to the district. Manipur is facing a humanitarian crisis and there has been no intervention from the Centre so far to provide essential commodities. The Mao highways from Imphal have been blocked by people of certain ethnic groups most of the time, with the people of Manipur demanding the security force to open the highway. People queuing up to buy medicines said Manipur faced repeated blockades even three months ago.But this time the sudden disappearance of essential commodities and medicines caused hardship to the people. Civil Supplies Minister Susindro said there was no shortage of rice in government warehouses and it would be sold to the people. He said the government has decided to sell 10 kg of rice to each family in 10 districts. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has returned to Imphal after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss the prevailing situation in the violence-hit state. N Biren Singh was accompanied by four other state leaders. BJP national president JP Nadda also attended the meeting. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said strict action will be taken against militants from the state possessing illegal arms after the suspension of the operation. Addressing the media, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, “We met Home Minister Amit Shah and briefed him about the state. Addressing the media at a press conference held at his secretariat on May 15, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that along with his five cabinet colleagues; Manipur BJP president A Sharda and MP Leishemba Sanajaoba met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In the meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah had assured that the central leaders will not take any decision that will harm or hamper the integrity of the state. Regarding the alleged involvement of terrorists involved in Operation Suspension (SOO) in the current crisis, the minister had also assured to strictly monitor the terrorists whether they are following the ground rules or not. He said such inspections would be carried out by a joint monitoring committee of central paramilitary forces and state forces.
