Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 09:
Even as the State Administration decided to effect further relaxation of curfew in three valley districts tomorrow in view of Prime Minister on the review of the NSCN (IM) truce yesterday, the Committee for Restoration of Normalcy in Imphal East and Imphal West districts has appealed to the people to remain calm and restraint so as to restore normalcy in the State.
The Government committee�s appeal followed its fourth meeting today which discussed in detail the ongoing people�s agitation and unrest in the two city districts, and the developing situation following yesterday�s assurance of the PM.
The meeting decided to apprise the Government of the shortage of food stocks in the State and steps to be taken up to face any eventuality during the curfew period.
The period of curfew relaxation in the two city districts and Thoubal district has been extended from 5 am to 6 pm tomorrow in view of the improved situation.
However, prohibition under Section 144 CrPC will remain in force during the relaxations period.
Meanwhile, K Kipgen Advisor to the Governor told a press meet at the Old Secretariat ha the Government will try its best to left the curfew at the earliest.
He also said that the administration is fully aware of the difficulties being faced by the people due to the curfew.
Kipgen said that the PM�s assurance given to State MPs and MLAs in Delhi yesterday is ample proof that the Centre has listened to the voice of the people of the State.
He also distributed copies of the PM�s appeal.
He appealed to the press to shoulder responsibilities in restoring normalcy in the State.
Interestingly, the Advisor, Chief Secretary Rakesh and Information Secretary Budhachandra who were present in the press conference could not give any proper reply to the queries put up by the media persons on the prevailing situation.
The Chief Secretary�s negative reply to queries on the imposition of curfew in valley districts while the same was not applied to hill districts, and the frame of reference and status report of the Judicial Inquiry into the June 18 firing incident showed the lack of co-ordination in the State Administration which had come up after the imposition of the President�s Rule.
The officials also denied knowledge of the statement of a Home Minister official that AMSU and AMUCO have links with underground elements made in a TV channel recently.