Newmai News Network
Imphal | October 25
Protesting against the Ukhrul incident, the Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee burned effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang, and NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah today at BT Road here.
The burning occurred during a protest organised by the Mahila Congress unit and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).
"The Centre should declare NSCN (IM) a terrorist group. We condemn the attack on CM Ibobi in Ukhrul," Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress president Loitongbam Tilottama demanded at the Congress Bhawan.
Nagaland CM TR Zeliang was also accused of delivering "a hate speech".
The Manipur Mahila Congress during the protest accused Modi and his government for giving a "free hand" to NSCN (IM), who it claimed were "violating" the ceasefire ground rules and "indulging in nefarious activities" in Manipur which is "not covered by the truce".
Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla at a function here condemned the "Ukhrul attack" terming it a sad and bad incident. She said violence does not bring anything but challenges development.
The opposition BJP Manipur unit in unison condemned the Ukhrul incident saying the people of Manipur were being challenged. Party spokesperson Nongthombam Biren informed media at the party office that a memorandum has been submitted to the Centre requesting it to initiate a probe into the incident.
"NIA or any other competent agency should be roped in to find out the facts," Biren demanded. He described the "attack" on CM Ibobi was an attack on the people. Several political parties including the LJP also denounced the incident. LJP accused the Centre of protecting the NSCN (IM).
Ibobi takes up Ukhrul incident with Centre
Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said today that his government has taken up the October 24 Ukhrul incident with New Delhi.
"The matter is being taken up with the Centre seeking action against the group responsible for the attack," Ibobi said. He said security forces did not retaliate as they wanted to avert civilian casualties. He said this while addressing media in his office today.
Meanwhile, ten Manipur Police personnel have been placed under suspension in connection with the October 24 Ukhrul incident with the Chief Minister admitting security lapses over the incident.
An inquiry committee headed by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) of Manipur Police P Doungel has started investigation into the incident.
The ADGP led inquiry committee has been asked to submit the report within one week's time.
Addressing a press conference at his chamber, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said that the "Ukhrul attack" was due to security lapses.
The Manipur Chief Minister while commenting on the development activities of his government said the delay in completing various projects in the hill districts were due to absence of good connectivity there.
Under the PMGSY, priority is being given to the hills by the state government with the 80 percent of the scheme being implemented in these districts, Ibobi said.
Ibobi said Manipur is in the first rank list among the North East States with regard to the ongoing road improvement work undertaken by the state government under this national scheme.
Newmai News Network
UNC, TNL hold review meeting in Ukhrul
All the units of the United Naga Council (UNC) have been directed to remain alert so as to thwart any backlash from the state government of Manipur following the barring of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh from inaugurating projects in Ukhrul district on October 24.
A review meeting was held today at Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) office in Ukhrul between the leaders of the TNL and the UNC.
UNC president Gaidon Kamei informed Newmai News Network that the position of the hill people against Chief Minister Ibobi, his council of ministers and those "legislators endorsing Ibobi's doctrine" still stands strong. "This stand against Mr. Ibobi Singh and his followers will grow even stronger in Naga areas with the latest development," said the UNC president.
Following this development, the UNC units in the districts of Tamenglong, Senapati, Chandel, and Ukhrul, have been directed to be ready to face any "oppressive measure" of the Ibobi Singh government, informed Kamei. "The Ibobi Singh government is likely to employ oppressive measures in the Naga areas," Kamei stated.
According to him, every year Chief Minister Ibobi creates "war-like situation" in the hill districts. The UNC chief also said that volunteers have been directed for "quick response" measures against "oppressive measures mostly likely" to be employed in the hill districts any time from now.
The UNC President warned of “stern action” against any Naga who invites them to any function or event, including church programmes.
Newmai News Network
