House split on Sadar Hills

Imphal, Aug. 26 : The state Assembly today saw emergence of sharp differences between Sadar Hills legislators and other members during a discussion on creation of the hill district.

While Sadar Hills legislators Haokholet Kipgen and Thangminlien Kipgen demanded immediate creation of the district, others suggested that things should not be rushed, as it could create more problems.

The House took up the matter in the form of a short duration discussion in light of the fact that Manipur was reeling under the impact of two blockades — one imposed by Sadar Hills District Demand Committee since July 31 midnight and the other by the United Naga Council since August 21 protesting against division of Naga areas during creation of the district.

However, all the members who took part in the discussion, initiated by Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam, were of the same opinion that if the issue lingered, ethnic enmity could surface. They reasoned that people of various communities, reeling under the blockage-induced scarcity of essential items, could give vent to their anger by hitting out against people of Sadar Hills and Nagas.

“Both the blockades are unacceptable. At the same time, the government should settle the Sadar Hills issue. The issue has created communal tension,” Koijam said.

The House, however, did not take any decision today, as the issue of setting up of a district boundary commission would be taken up tomorrow.

Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh appealed to both the district demand committee and UNC to call off the blockades, saying the government would take a decision on the district issue after three months.

“A high-level committee has been constituted to look into the boundary of the proposed district. The committee will submit its report within three months. The government would act on the district issue after the committee submits its suggestions,” Ibobi Singh said.

The two Sadar Hills MLAs, however, said people of the area had waited 40 years and could not wait any longer. They insisted on immediate creation of the district.

“I do not want to create another problem while solving a problem. I will do justice. So my appeal to all is: Come and let us resolve issues amicably,” Ibobi Singh said.

He also appealed to the people to shun the idea of having districts on ethnic lines.