Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh addressed a joint event at the Classic Grande in Imphal, warning that highway bandhs and blockades severely affect the local and national economies, leave freight drivers stranded and impact daily wage earners, while urging people to engage in lawful public dialogue.
On August 7, the Chief Minister inaugurated a two-day Consultative Meeting-cum-Seminar on the Demographic Profile of Manipur, jointly organised by the Home Department, Government of Manipur, and the Manipur State Population Commission.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that ongoing bandhs, blockades and other forms of agitation along highways have severely affected the economies of both the state and the country. He added that such agitations disproportionately affect daily wage earners.
Khemchand Singh further said that the ongoing blockade has also caused serious problems for truck drivers stranded on national highways while transporting essential goods to the state. He assured that the state government is always ready to support steps and actions that benefit the general public.
Expressing confidence in the outcome of the discussions, the Chief Minister said he believes that the suggestions and resolutions adopted by experts will serve the welfare of the people. He stressed that all recommendations must remain within the provisions of the Constitution of India.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the public not to resort to any form of agitation that may disrupt the normal daily activities of citizens.
N Ashok Kumar, Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur; M Manimoham Meitei, State Population Commissioner; M Veto Singh, Secretary of the Manipur State Population Commission; CSO leaders, community leaders, women leaders, intellectuals, academicians and officials of the Home Department, among others, attended the inaugural function.