48 hours shutdown effective
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 22 2021: The 48 hour shutdown called by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in protest against the non release of MGNREGA wages, 15th Finance Commission fund, honoraria of Panchayat functionaries of 6 valley districts of Manipur, affected normal life for two days as the protesters closed down all the shops in Panchayat areas & blocked parts of State & National Highways.

The protesters of Tellou Chana Seijang Gram Panchayat (Imphal East) blocked Sabungkhok road as a part of the agitation.

Protestors of Sawombung GP also restricted vehicular movements at Sawombung Lamkhai and Waiton Gram Panchayat protestors closed the Sawombung gate.

The shutdown was also effective at Konthoujam AC areas on Day 2 with Pradhans, Ward Members and job card holders of 6 Zilla Parishads of the Assembly segment joining the protest at Khumbong Bazar.

Imphal East district police also strictly monitored the agitation carried out across various locations.

Speaking to media persons during the protest, H Nimai, Ward Member of Tellou Chana Seijang Gram Panchayat (Imphal East) urged all concerned for immediate release of the pending funds and warned of more serious forms of agitation in the coming days if the Government fails to consider their demands.

It is learnt that the Central Government has already released its share of MGNREGA fund in March, but the State Government has been withholding the fund till date despite repeated appeals to the officials of the Department concerned and Ministry.

They decided to resort to the shutdown in denunciation of the inaction from the officials concerned, he said while continuing that all Gram Panchayat in Manipur will join hands and take up a more intense mode of agitation in case the State Government continues to sideline their demands.

A sit-in protest was also staged at Lamkhai Keithel in Jiribam district today.

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