In a stern message, the Centre on Friday told the Manipur government that it can’t escape responsibility for the “humanitarian crisis” arising out of the 52-day economic blockade by a Naga group.
Directing the State government to work towards ending the stand-off, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju made it clear that nobody would be allowed to take political advantage of the situation.
Why the blockade?
Opposing the creation of seven new districts, the United Naga Council has been staging blockade on the National Highways 2 and 37 connecting the land-locked Manipur since November 1, crippling normal life in the north-eastern State for the last 52 days.
“The State government has not been able to end the blockade. It must end as soon as possible as law and order is the responsibility of the State government. Nobody will be allowed to take political advantage out of a humanitarian crisis where common people are suffering,” said Rijiju, who was on a day-long visit to Congress-ruled Manipur as a Central emissary.
Earlier, Rijiju had a detailed meeting with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and senior officials of the Central and State governments on resolving the crisis.
He dismissed suggestions that Centre was late in taking action, claiming that it had been asking the State government to clear the blockade since it began and had even offered assistance to it.
“From today onwards, the State government can’t escape from its responsibility. Nobody will be allowed to add to the sufferings of the people. Central government is also not shying away from its responsibility,” he said.
The State government must end the blockade as soon as possible as law and order is its responsibility. Nobody will be allowed to take political advantage of a humanitarian crisis where people are suffering