Post Ngalangzar's assassination : Gaikhangam defends security deployment
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 31 2014: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has appealed to all sections of the society to collectively face all the challenges which come on the way of maintaining integrity of Manipur.

Gaikhangam, who also holds Home portfolio, was addressing a press conference held at his office chamber at Old Secertariat this evening.

He said that after the assassination of the former ViceChairman of Ukhrul ADC, additional security forces have been deployed in Ukhrul town to safeguard life and property of the general public.

He added that the Government's move was well appre- ciated by all sections of people.

However, it is unfortunate that some individuals and organisations are misleading the people through negative pro-paganda and trying to provo- ke them by clamping bandhs.

Police personnel with protestors at Ukhrul

He reiterated that the security forces are being deployed in Ukhrul to restore peace and nab those unlawful elements who harass and take lives of innocent people.

Maintaining that the UNC's move to impose ban on National projects is undesirable, Gaikhangam said that these projects are meant to bring development and people must extend co-operation and support to these projects for its timely completion.

Contending that imposition of bandh and blockade is not a right approach, the Deputy Chief Minister said that it would only breed hardships to the general public.

He also said that the State Government has a clear stand not to remain silent against any anti-social elements in any part of the State while adding that the State Government has been sending day-to -day reports to the Centre re-garding the situation of Ukhrul town.

Recent crack down on NSCN (IM) camp in Ukhrul town is a testimony of outfit's non-compliance to cease fire ground rules, Gaikhangam said and added that the Centre has been apprised of it as well.

Regarding ILPS issue, Gaikhangam said that police action on student agitators was unfortunate.

He also promised that necessary measures would be taken up to avoid such instances in future.

Regarding detention of women and student agitators in the judicial custody, Gaikhangam said that the Government was compelled to send them to jail as the agitators denied to secure release on bail.

As the law cannot be ignored, even former Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal was sent to jail after he denied the bail, Gaikhangam said.

The State Government is awaiting nod from the Centre on implementation of ILPS as the State Assembly had already passed the matter two times.

An all party delegation would meet the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister on the issue after holding a joint meeting shortly, he added.

He added that Chief Minister O Ibobi had given his statement in the State Assembly that civil society and student leaders would be invited to the all-political party meeting if needed.

Maintaining that there is no difference of views between State Government and people on ILPS issue, Gaikhangam promised to work understanding the sentiment of the people.

Responding to query regarding BJP Manipur Pradesh Th Chaoba's denial to be a part of the all-political party delegation to Delhi, Gaikhangam alleged that Chaoba is trying to distance himself from the issue only because he wants to escape from his responsibility.