Manipur Mahila Congress Stages Protest Against LPG Price Increase
Members of the Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress organized a significant demonstration in Imphal on Sunday, vehemently protesting the recent hike in LPG cylinder prices. The protestors demanded an immediate rollback of the increased rates and called for the resignation of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
Protest Details and Leadership
The demonstration was led by Manipur Mahila Congress president Sarma Mutum and took place at the Congress Bhavan in Imphal. Party workers gathered at the venue, raising loud slogans against the central government over the sudden rise in cooking gas prices. The protest highlighted growing discontent among citizens regarding the financial burden imposed by the price adjustment.
Background of the Price Hike
The price of domestic LPG cylinders was increased by Rs 60, while commercial cylinders saw a hike of Rs 115, effective from Saturday. This adjustment comes amid significant pressures on the global fuel market, primarily driven by ongoing conflicts in West Asia that have disrupted supply chains and increased costs.
Impact on Households and Economic Concerns
Addressing the gathering, Sarma Mutum emphasized that the hike in LPG prices would place an additional and severe burden on ordinary families across Manipur. She stated, "The increase in LPG prices is particularly distressing at a time when many people in Manipur are already facing economic difficulties due to the ongoing crisis in the state. While affluent households may still be able to manage the rising costs, the middle class and economically weaker sections would be the worst affected."
Mutum further pointed out that women, who typically manage household expenses, would feel the immediate and direct impact of this price hike. The protestors argued that the timing of the increase exacerbates existing financial struggles for many families in the region.
Criticism of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
The protesters also raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, a government scheme aimed at providing free LPG connections to women from below-poverty-line households. They claimed that many beneficiaries have received free LPG connections only once or twice—once when listed as a beneficiary and again when receiving the gas consumer card.
"Many Ujjwala beneficiaries are struggling to afford refills due to the high prices of LPG cylinders," Mutum added, highlighting a gap between the scheme's intentions and its practical implementation for sustained access to affordable cooking fuel.
Demands and Call to Action
The Mahila Congress urged the central government to recognize the suffering of citizens and take immediate steps to reduce LPG prices. Their primary demands include:
- An immediate rollback of the recent price hike for both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders.
- The resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, holding him accountable for the decision.
- Enhanced support for Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries to ensure they can afford regular refills.
- Greater consideration of the economic challenges faced by households, especially in crisis-affected regions like Manipur.
The protest underscores broader national concerns about rising living costs and the accessibility of essential commodities. As the central government faces mounting pressure, the response to these demands will be closely watched by citizens and political observers alike.
