Imphal, December 07 2008: Chief Minister O Ibobi skipping the issue of SPO without mentioning a single word about it during his visit to Heirok today has literally left the JAC as well as the JACs fuming.

On the other hand, the SPOs currently undergoing training at Pangei are being used by officers in thrashing paddy.

Chief Minister O Ibobi visited Heirok today and he was the chief guest of the 14th death anniversary function of former Minister Moirangthem Ibotombi.

The commemorative function was organised by the Ibotombi Memorial Trust.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister declared that a multipurpose community hall will be constructed at Heirok Laimayum in memory and honour of the three persons killed and the one injured in firing at a Thabal Chongba venue last March.

However, Ibobi did not mention anything about the much debated issue of SPOs.

Nonetheless, Ibobi said that the Government has been making efforts to book the culprits of the firing incident.

"Killing among ourselves will not bring any solution", stated Ibobi while asserting that killing a leader will not bring any positive result.

On the other hand, general secretary of the Heirok JAC L Mandir said that the Heirok people were looking forward to the Chief Minister's visit expecting at least some words on the SPO.

However the Chief Minister side stepped the matter belying the hopes of the people, lamented the JAC functionary.

Questioning whether the Chief Minister has retracted from his assurances or whether the Government harboured any hidden agenda, Mandir said that the Heirok people were expecting a peaceful and lasting solution from the Chief Minister.

Talking to media persons, one SPO under training at Pangei but currently staying at home disclosed that the SPO trainees at Pangei were used in thrashing paddy by officers.

The SPOs were also not given their clothing materials adequately, he decried.

Father of one SPO said that he gave his son Rs 1000 every time he came home as the monthly salaries entitled to SPOs remain nothing after deducting money for ration and other utilities.

On the other hand, the memorial function of late Ibotombi was marked by offering of floral tributes to his statue.

It also offered prayers and religious rituals of different religious groups.

The memorial function was also attended by MPCC (I) president Gaikhangam and Speaker Dr S Budhichandra.