Dy CM says ambush anti-thesis to demand for revocation of AFSPA
Peace call sounded on World Environment Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 05 2015 :
The State needs to maintain tranquillity and peaceful atmosphere if unwanted Acts are to be repealed from the State, said Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.
He was speaking as chief guest at the flagging off ceremony of a rally jointly organised by Royal Riders, Manipur and Green Revolution Society, Manipur in connection with World Environment Day celebration at Thangmeiband Khunthokhanbi Shanglen today.
He said that violence would neither serve any purpose nor bring any solution.
Gaikhangam said that yesterday's ambush on 6 Dogra Rifles convoy killing 18 personnel and injuring 16 others was nothing but a stumbling block to people's wish for repeal of AFSPA.
The attack has given a bad impression to the Central Government regarding the security situation of the State, he said and added that it was really unfortunate that the incident happened at a time when the State Government had started studying the ways to remove the controversial Act.
Gaikhangam further said that no tangible improvement could be witnessed although the Act has already been removed from the seven Assembly segments of the State.
The Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, said that the Act would go automatically when the State retains peace.
He further said that Central security forces are here to protect people, assist the State Government in maintaining law and order and guard the country from external aggression.
Strongly condemning yesterday's ambush on 6 Dogra regiment, Gaikhangam said that the attack was suspected to be carried out by a joint UG team of hill and valley based outfits.
He said that Union Home Minister's strict order to take immediate action in the aftermath of yesterday's attack was sounded against the anti-National and anti-social elements but not against the civilians.
An FIR has been filed at the police station concerned regarding the incident and SDO Moreh has conducted a spot enquiry, Gaikhangam said.
He said that the State Government would provide all possible assistance to army and Assam Rifles in tracking down the attackers.
Paying homage to the deceased personnel, Gaikhangam also shared the sorrow of family members, friends and the concerned battalion.
He also prayed to the Almighty for speedy recovery of the injured security personnel.
Regarding today's rally, Gaikhangam said that people must extend support to such endeavours, which intend to protect the environment.
Saying that protection of environment needs mass awareness, Gaikhangam expressed hope that the rally would help people understand about environment degradation.
Later, the Deputy Chief Minister flagged off the rally taken part by around 180 cyclists and bikers of Royal Riders, Manipur, Paddle Attack, Film Forum Manipur, Manipur Adventure Mountain Bicycle Association and Green Revolution Society, Manipur.
The rally passed through Lamlong bazar, Soibam Leikai, Palace Compound, Wangkhei, Kongba, Singjamei, Yaiskul, Uripok, Naoremthong and Langol.