Imphal, March 09, 2010: The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) today strongly condemned the "irresponsible acts of the Ministers involved in the 'accidental firing incident' that injured state advocate general, N Koteshwor on March 6 last.

"Such reckless acts are unwarranted and beyond prudent behaviour.

However, it is extremely disturbing that the act was committed by Ministers who are supposed to be exemplary models to the society," Phamhring Sengul, Convener of NPMHR (S) said in a statement today.

The irresponsible act of firing in public place put the common people under threat.

Such acts continue to aggravate the culture of violence and contribute to the perpetual fear psychosis to the general people, it observed.

The statement also expressed shocked on the callous response of the government in handling the incident without taking into consideration the complex relationship between the diverse ethnic communities in the state.

The silence of the state government on the incident has created a lot of tension and insecurity for tribal in their work place in the state capital, it added.

The NPMHR (S) further expressed disappointment over the Chief Minister remaining mum, instead of apprehending the culprit or booking those guilty, has frustrated the possibility of due process and action under the law.

The refusal to give the name of the Minister concerned is a deep disconcerting and the chief minister and ministers, by using the law as a tool of convenience, have overstepped all bounds of responsibility and respect for the rule of law.

"It appears that there is no law in Manipur to control crimes committed by those in power.

The apparent absence of accountability of our public leaders is highly disquieting," the statement added wishing for a speedy recovery of the advocate with the hope that the rule of law and justice will prevail.