UKAL rejects CM's claim
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 09 2014:
Stating that Chief Minister Okram Ibobi's latest public statement on the controversial Govindaji Temple Board (Amendment) Bill 2014 was ambiguous and not trustworthy, Umang Lai Kanba Lup (UKAL) has said that CM's statement would not be able to restrain people's movement.
Speaking to reporters at its Palace Gate office, UKAL spokesperson Yumlembam Meiraba Angom said that although UKAL welcomes Ibobi's statement made during Mera Hou Chongba celebration held at Haying Khongbal, it was ambiguous as the Government had neither provided any document or written assurance nor issued any invitation for a dialogue on the issue.
Stating that UKAL's demand is the annulment of the controversial Bill passed by the State Legislative Assembly, Meiraba said that the Chief Minister would not be able to cool down the people's movement by merely making a statement.
He reminded the Chief Minister that people never asked the Government to halt the Bill at the Governor's level but to annul it by convening a special session of the State Assembly.
Demanding the Government to spell out the steps, which have been taken up so far in this regard, Meiraba said that people's movement would intensify until the Bill is nullified.
Maintaining that a JAC has been formed to carry on the people's stir, Meiraba cautioned that the movement would intensify after October 13 which would even obstruct Manipur Sangai Festival.
However, he said that UKAL is still ready to resolve the issue through dialogues with the Government.