In protest against the non-supply of potable drinking water in the Lilong area, the JAC Against Non-Supply of Drinking Water has withdrawn the general strike that was scheduled to be initiated from 5 PM today on National Highway 102, from Lilong Bazar to Ushoipokpi, for an indefinite period.
Following discussions held on Wednesday at the Conference Hall of DC Thoubal, presided over by DC Thoubal Yumnam Robita, IAS, with the participation of SP Thoubal, SDPO Thoubal, Lilong OC, NHIDCL, PHED officials, and the JAC representatives, the general strike has been called off due to the agreements reached.
After the discussions, JAC Convenor Aziz Lamin Nongjai informed the media that the protest has been postponed for some time due to several agreements reached during the meeting with NHIDCL and other relevant authorities of the government.
Agreements have been reached regarding the supply of water to both sides of Lilong Turel Ahanbi, Lilong Leihaokhong, Yangbi Leikai, and Lilong Bazar areas until the 20th of this month and the supply of water from Lilong Chaobok Arapti Water Supply to the concerned areas until April 30.
Aziz Lamin Nongjai announced that the general strike, which was planned to be initiated by the JAC from this evening, has been postponed for some time.
On Tuesday, Aziz Lamin Nongjai said that it is a great misfortune that the pipes have been left unfixed and unrepaired until today. For a long time, various clubs and organizations have repeatedly appealed to NHIDCL and the relevant departments of the Manipur government to repair the pipes and ensure the supply of drinking water to the public. However, they have been apathetic towards the people’s suffering.
On March 3, the JAC had submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of the state, Yumnam Khemchand, urging him to ensure the supply of drinking water to the public immediately. The memorandum was also sent to PHED, NHIDCL, and the DC Thoubal. However, due to the lack of any positive response until today, a general strike has been called out of desperation. The general public from Lilong Market to Ushoipokpi is urged to support this cause. It has been stated that the general strike will not affect the fire, water, examinations, and other religious observances.
It may be mentioned that the JAC Against the Non-Supply of Drinking Water was formed by the collective efforts of nine clubs, including Social Development Association, Lilong Uku; Social Development Organisation, Lilong Turek Ahanbi Mathak Leikai; Lilong Bazar Development Club, Lilong Bazar; Lilong Ipham Leikai Development Club; Resident Welfare Association, Lilong; Lilong United Club, Lilong; United Youth Development Association, Lilong Uku Mamang; Mohammadan Sporting Association, Lilong Heinou Makhong; and ESM Members Welfare Association, Lilong.
