UCM appeals not to spread rumours to incite communal tension
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 22 2012: While appealing to the people of the State not to spread rumours which could incite communal violence in the State, United Committee Manipur (UCM) has stated that the indefinite bandh being called by Film Forum Manipur and Manipur State Shumang Leela Council with the support of the public is reasonable and they support it.

Addressing media persons at its Lamphelpat office today, Y Nabachandra, President of UCM, stated that the indefinite bandh being called in protest over the incident of molesting and assaulting film artist Momoco by Living stone, an NSCN (IM) cadre, during a musical concert at Chandel Head quarters on December 18, is quite reasonable and UCM fully supports it.

He also appealed to the public to support the bandh wholeheartedly.

He, however, appealed to the general public to restrain from spreading rumours which could incite communal violence in the State and also not to disturb any event related with the customs and religions of any community.

The UCM President further appealed to the security personnel of the State not to resort to lathi charge and use of tear gas against the agitators who are seeking justice.

Members of Manipur State Women Commission conducting an inquiry in connection with the Chandel incident at the residence of the victim Momoco

Reacting to the violent methods being used by police personnel to control the protestors, Y Nabachandra stated that the silent attitude of the State as well as the Central government over the case of molesting and assaulting Momoco by Livingstone is indeed unfortunate.

He asserted that the present unrest and agitation of the people is due to the failure of the State and the Central Government to take up legal actions against NSCN-M cadre Livingstone who molested and assaulted Momoco in full public view.

If the government remains indifferent to the public sentiment, then there could be another '18 June' like incident.

IN that case, it would be the sole responsibility of the State and Central government.

The UCM leader alleged that the act of Livingstone, the NSCN-IM cadre was communal as the despicable act was committed to a group of atristes of a particular community among other many communities present on that particular day and the Manipur police and Assam Rifles personnel who were present at the scene had shown as if they had authorized the Naga outfit cadre to commit such crime right under their nose.

"The NSCN-IM has failed to know its real enemy and its cadres are whirling against their sisters and committing such type of crime," Nabachandra accused while asserting that such act can never lead to the path of success and neither can it make them achieve their demand.