Displaced people will return: Minister Biren
KNF says no ultimatum issued, appeals to all people for calm
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 24 2011:
Government has said that it will arrange for return of the displaced people of Motbung, Sapermaina and Kangpokpi areas by tomorrow even as KNP, allegedly behind the threat to displace the people, today denied issue of any ultimatum to leave the area.
SPF spokesperson, N Biren told Huieyen Lanpao that as advised by the Chief Minister, a ministerial team led by him visited the displaced people taking shelter at a community hall at Koujengleima, Sekmai and convinced them on the security measures that had been taken up by the government to safeguard life and properties of the people in the areas.
PHED minister, TN Haokip, Health minister, L Jayentakumar were other ministers who accompanied N Biren.
Earlier, ADGP, V Zathang along with senior police officers and CO 43 AR had also met the displaced people and briefed them on the security measures that had been taken up by the government for their safety.
They also assured the people that any action of the KNF(P) against the people will be countered by the security forces.
The AR commandant brought Aaron Kipgen, president of KNF who was asked to talk with the displaced people, the minister said.
Later, in addressing a press conference, the KNF president clarified that no ultimatum was issued by the outfit and appealed to the Meetei residents of Kangpokpi, Sapermaina and Motbung areas to lead a normal life and to return back to their homes.
Talking to reporters at its designated camp in Sadar Hills, KNF general secretary, Aaron Kipgen that the ultimatum said to have been served to the Meetei residing in the said areas was an "absolute rumour and our Meetei residents of KPI, Sapermaina and Motbung should remain calm and secure in their own homes" .
Alleging that 14-year old Sagar Prashad son of Suresh Prashad of Kangpokpi was kidnapped by KCP(MC) for ransom demand of ' 50,000, he alleged that activists of the group have been indulging in kidnapping people for ransom and threatening people for money in the operational area of the outfit, particularly on NH 39 since last year.
The whereabouts of the boy kidnapped on February 20 is still untraced.
Aaron Kipgen said that since he has been kidnapped from the operational area of the KNF, it will exercise its rights to drive away other non-SoO groups operating in the area.
He further appealed to social organisations concerned not to inflame the situation and avoid any avoid unwanted communal tension in the areas.