Dy CM on blasts
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 19 2013: Expressing grave concern over the series of bomb blasts in recent times, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam speculated that subversive elements might be setting off bomb explosion out of frustration and to demonstrate their presence.

Speaking to newspersons on the sidelines of the National Integration Day observance held today at Congress Bhavan, Gaikhangam said with insurgents unable to breach the tight security barricade in Imphal and greater Imphal areas or unable to engage security forces in encounters disruptive elements might be carrying out the blasts for UG groups in the exterior locations just to create chaos in the society.

The fact that law and order situation has comparatively improved in the last few years might be giving sleepless nights to the UG groups and thus resorting to blast to create public panic, said the DyCM who regretted that under the cloak of waging war of independence armed organisations have become a threat to public safety.

Citing arrest of a PREPAK-Pro activist in connection with the Pallel bomb blast case to hold UG groups responsible for the recent incidents of bomb blast, he said interrogation of the arrested person is on to establish further proof about involvement of insurgent outfits in the blasts.

The blast cases are being thoroughly investigated to confirm whether UGs are merely sustaining their disruptive acts or some indivi- duals/groups with vested interest trying to create chaos and confusion to score a political point, maintained Gai- khangam affirming that there is no question of leniency on the issue.

While conceding that acts of terrorism have become a global menace, he nevertheless asserted that all possible measures would be initiated to book the guilty ones and punish them under law of the land.

Exuding confidence that ongoing police investigation on the murder of MPP vice president H Manisana will result in sometime positive at the earliest, he also condemned in the strongest term the bomb attack against a BRTF personnel at an Ukhrul district area yesterday.

Further conveying that the Government is committed to settle all outstanding issues through negotiation, Gaikha-ngam reiterated calls to all armed groups to abandon violence for the sake of the people.

Regarding posers about extension of Manipur DGP's stint in the State, the DyCM said the decision is the prerogative of the Central Government.

The National Integration Day observance function organised by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee was also attended by the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, his ministerial colleagues and Congress party MLAs and workers.

The event is being held to commemorate former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's 96th birth anniversary.

Speaking at the occasion, Gaikhangam remembered the country's first lady Prime Minister as astute leader, efficient administrator and strong advocate of global peace and harmony.

At Manipur Secretariat (South Block) campus Indira Gandhi's birth anniversary was observed as 'Quami Ekta Week' with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh gracing the State Government-organised event as the chief guest.

Quami Ekta Week is observed every year to renew pledge for upholding national integration principle as well as to strengthen sense of patriotism, said the CM while informing that throughout the country the week would be observed under different themes such as weaker Section's Day (Nov 22), Cultural Integrity Day (Nov 23), Women's Day (Nov 24) and Conservation Day (Nov 25) .

Quoting Indira Gandhi as saying, Ibobi conveyed to all concerned that inspite of religious differences, faith and belief should not transgress upon developmental aspiration of the masses.

He also called upon the younger generation to have work culture and strive for excellence in their respective field along with promoting national integration.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Ministers, MLAs as well as top Government civil officials also attended the latter event.

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