Newmai News Network Imphal | October 1 The United Committee Manipur (UCM) today appealed to the Manipur government to take appropriate action against NSCN (IM) for indulging in ‘criminal activities’ by violating ceasefire ground rules in the state. “An intense public agitation is looming large if the government does not take appropriate action against the Naga outfit at the earliest,” UCM president Elangbam Jonson said. He was talking to the media while participating in “Heitha-leitha”, an occasion honouring the 18 "martyrs" of June 18 Uprising at Kekrupat in Imphal. The event took place in 2001 following extension of the ceasefire signed between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India to Manipur. Johnson expressed opposition to Assam Rifles for releasing three NSCN (IM) cadres on September 29 after they were arrested for committing "unlawful activities" in Senapati district. The security force had said the cadres were released on health ground. “It’s unacceptable that the NSCN (IM) militants were freed simply on health ground. Such a move has no any meaning,” the UCM leader insisted. A strong protest by Senapati town residents was registered against the arrest creating disturbances to normal life. The UCM leader said the state government has been a mere onlooker to "illegal activities" of the Naga outfit. The UCM and other valley based organisations have been saying that the "NSCN (IM) ceasefire" does not cover Manipur, and so complaints have been made by social organisations time and again against the government on the presence of a number camps belonging to the outfit. “Naga peace talks interlocutor RN Ravi recently stated that the Manipur government should take its own measures to curb activities of NSCN (IM) in the state,” Johnson cited. He accused the outfit of "murdering" people who go to earn wages in the hills. Johnson was of the view that it could become a bigger potential threat to the life of the people if "NSCN (IM) militants" are not reined in on time. “I appeal to the state government to take action in this regard at the earliest. Failure on the part of the administration in handling the outfit may invite a mass protest,” Johnson warned.
