No comment on crackdown on rebels
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 10 2015 :
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who also holds the Home portfolio, has refused to comment on the reported surgical strikes carried out by the Indian army on two militant hideouts inside Myanmar territory yesterday.
He said that it is a very sensitive issue and he does not want to comment on it for the time being.
Gaikhangam today visited the family of former PTI correspondent Phanjoubam Tarapot, who passed away on May 3 last, at Wangkhei today.
The Deputy Chief Minister not only paid floral tributes at the portrait of the veteran journalist but also consoled the bereaved family members during his visit.
Speaking to reporters there.
Gaikhangam said that Congress would never form any alliance with BJP and NPF in the formation of Councils in ADCs.
Congress also does not have any plan to form alliance witb other parties as well for the time being.
However, the party would welcome all the Independent candidates, who are willing to join hands with the Congress, he said.
He expressed confidence that Congress would form the Council in four ADCs.
He said that announcement of results of ADC election would take time as the election was conducted on ballot papers.
Saying that underground cadres created lots of disturbance in the recently held election, Gaikhangam said that the UG cadres put in best effort to defeat Congress candidates.
He said that there were many incidents of intimidation of voters, workers and candidates and booth capturing.
However, Congress is till hoping to win big this time as well although it is too early to comment on the election results, he said.
Gaikhangam further said that Congress candidates were even asked to withdraw their candidatures on gun point by underground cadres.
However, the candidates remained firm in their stand and courageously faced all these challenges, he said and added that many of these Congress candidates are hoping to win.
Gaikhangam said that six Congress members of Wangoi Mutiitipa! Council joining the BJP would have little impact on the party.
Regarding yesterday's Kongkan encounter.
Gaikhangam said that underground cadres might have planned the incident to spread fear among people ahead of the counting of votes of ADC election.