Regarding non-upgradation of Saikot TD Block to the Status of SDO Circle
We, on behalf of Saikot Sub Division Demand Committee and Saikot TD Block inhabitants would like to appraise the State Government the rising public discontentment against non up gradation of Saikot TD Block to the status of Sub-Division Circle at par along with the Tuibuong and Sangaikot TD Blocks. The Saikot TD Block was created along with the Tuibuong and Sangaikot TD Blocks as per Manipur Gazette Order No.15/11/2003-Dev (P) dated 24th December, 2003. The up gradation of Saikot TD Block is the long felt need of need of 19,256 people inhabiting Saikot TD Block, Churachandpur residing in 39 villages consisting of 3,222 household (As per the 2010-‘11 Hill House counting). The area is inhabited by different tribes consisting of Thadou, Paite, Zou, Vaiphei, Simte, Mizo and Hmar. They live together in harmony and peace in all the past years.
To the utter dismay of the people of the Saikot TD Block, the Manipur State Government Cabinet meeting on 29th October, 2011, decided to upgrade the Tuibuong and Sangaikot TD Blocks into a full fledged Sub-Division Circle, while the Saikot TD Block was left with the status quo. The Saikot Sub Division Demand Committee has submitted the 1st Memorandum to Hon’ble Chief Minister on the 23rd November, 2011 for demanding upgradation of Saikot TD Block to the level of Sub-Division Circle. The 2nd Memorandum also had been submitted again on 5th December, 2011. But the Government of Manipur turned preferred to deaf ear to the legitimate request of the public.
As already mentioned in the above Memorandum submitted, the Cabinet meeting was held on October 29th, 2011, the Government of Manipur had taken decision to upgrade some TD Blocks like Tuibuong and Sangaikot to the status of Sub Division Circles within Churachandpur District. These TD Blocks were created along with Saikot TD Block by the same orders bearing No. 15/11/2003- DEV (P) dated Imphal, the 24th December, 2003 of the Governor of Manipur.
While the people of Saikot TD Block are waiting for upgradation with full confidence in the State Government as well as in the Hon’ble Minister representing the people of the Saikot Assembly Constituency, Saikot TD Block was left out in the process of upgradation of TD Blocks to the status of Sub Division circles. Why was our Hon’ble Chief Minister blind to see the needs of the people in Saikot TD Block? Or whether our Hon’ble Minister representing the people in Saikot Assembly Constituency was conveniently sleeping during the process of upgradation? The Proverb says, “A living dog is better than a dead lion” even if our Hon’ble Chief Minister plays the part of a dead lion the people hope and wish that our respected Minister who is no other than our representative would be a living dog to do the needful. The general publics have full confidence in him and it is expected of him to pursue the matter in the interest of the general public. Now it is the demand of the people within Saikot TD Block to upgrade to the status of Sub-Division Circle like that of Tuibuong and Sangaikot TD Blocks before 18th December, 2011 definitely. The movement also received the support of the Mizo People's Convention, Manipur, Hmar Inpui, Gen. Hqs., Zomi Council, Gen. Hqs. and other civil societies have given their tacit support in writing.
Another danger is the persistence of inequality. This inequality does not augur well for the integrity and goodwill towards the State. This inequality is clearly seen in the process of upgradation of Tuibuong and Sangaikot TD Blocks to the status of Sub-Division Circles. This unequal treatment meted out towards the Saikot TD Block is no other than inequality which hinders regional integrity in Churachandpur District. There are six Assembly Constituencies in Churachandpur District viz., (1) Singat (2) Tipaimukh (3) Henglep (4) Chuarchandpur (5) Thanlon and (6) Saikot. It may be mentioned that all the other five Constituencies are upgraded to the status of the Sub-Division Circles except for the Saikot TD Block which was ignored by the Sate Government. This is a painful experience and an insult to the aspirations of the people in Saikot TD Block.
The inequal and step-motherly treatment meted out to the people in Saikot TD Block by the State Government towards the law abiding subjects is now being perceived as undue provocation. The people of Saikot TD Block are united in the pursuit of the legitimate civil and political rights under legal framework of Indian Constitution and will continue to do so until and unless the demand of is achieved. We make our stand clear that if we do not receive the same treatment from the State Government and the status of inequality continues, then we will be left with no option but to adopt more serious forms of agitation like bandhs, strike, etc. The SSDC do not want to create hardship to the common people and resort to civilised and peaceful submission of Memorandum to achieve the desired results. Agitation against the State Government's discriminatory policies will be the last resort.
Hence, we appeal to our Hon’ble Chief Minister to immediately to upgrade Saikot TD Block to the status of Sub-Division Circle like that of Tuibuong and Sangaikot TD Blocks as Christmas Gift. We would like our demands to be met definitely within 18th December, 2011. Failing which, we have decided to call a total bandh of Churachandpur District from 6.00Am, 19th December indefinitely.
This Bandh shall not include medical, electricity, press-media, water supply and education departments.
The Committee therefore requested all to kindly support the Bandh for the noble cause demand thereof. It our demand is still not met, we cannot rule out of boycotting the coming State Assembly Election next years!
Therefore, the SSDDC would like to request the people of Churachandpur to support us in our noble cause for the interest of the public! Thank You!
Sd/-
(Timothy Z. Zote), Chairman
(R. Lalkaisanga) Secretary,
Saikot Sub Division Demand Committee, (SSDC)
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