Blaming the Congress-led Government in Manipur for failure to resolve about two-month-old blockade of two national highways in the State, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Friday hinted that the two ‘blocked’ national highways would be opened “as soon as possible” by using force if needed.
Interacting with the media in Imphal, Rijiju said, “We have an elected Government in Manipur and all parameters in the Constitution are clear that the State Government has all powers to maintain law and order. The people of Manipur should not suffer further. Road blockade is unacceptable and it has to be lifted at any cost. It is the sovereign duty of the State as well as the Central Government. The supply routes will be cleared as soon as possible.” The State Government has to ensure that the roads are through and that security forces are being arranged for the purpose.
The Union Minister, who was in Manipur capital on a day-long visit to review the situation arising out of the blockade of two national highways, met Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and other top bureaucrats.
He said that a total of 154 companies of the central paramilitary forces (CPMFs) were already deployed in Manipur, including those deployed for guarding the International Borders in the State. “Additional seven companies of the CPFMF are also on the way to the State,” he said while assuring that if there are still any gaps, they would be filled up.
Denying reports that the Central Government was late in responding to the situation in Manipur, the Union Minister said there has been no instance to show the Centre had not come to support the State Government.
“We believe in the spirit of cooperative federalism. There is no provision in the Constitution where the Centre can take any action on its own without the consultation of the State Government or any demand made by it,” he said.
“I want to make it clear that the State Government here can be of one political party and the Central Government of another. But when it comes to our sovereign duty, there is no political colour,” he said while reassuring that there would not be any dearth of support from the Centre in tackling the present crisis in the State.
“The blockade should end as soon as possible. Nobody would be allowed to take any political advantage out of a humanitarian crisis. Election is coming in the State and so there may be some political game plan which may be beneficial to some political party. But we are not going to allow the common people to suffer,” he said.
It may be mentioned here that the Manipiur has been on the boil for more than past one week following the United Naga Council (UNC) sponsored blockade of NH 2 and NH 53 in the state since November 1 opposing the State Government’s decision to create seven new districts-two of which will bifurcate Naga dominated district of the State.
Violent protests have been reported on in different areas of the State opposing the UNC-sponsored blockade of highways and different agitating groups had so far burnt and vandalised over 30 vehicles, damaged some houses and buildings including the oldest church of Manipur in past one week.