CM's proposed visit to Ukhrul postponed ; TNL to impose total shut down in 5 villages
Source: The Sangai Express
Ukhrul, October 14 2016:
The proposed visit of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi to inaugurate the upgraded SDO/BDO office LM block, SDO/BDO office Chingai, bank and other buildings, 33/11 KV sub station, 132/33 KV sub-station and 100 bedded district hospital has been deferred and rescheduled on October 24.The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has strongly reacted against the proposed visit of the CM and other Ministers as the Nagas have socially boycotted them for being anti -Nagas and had subsequently declared severance of ties with the Government of Manipur.
The TNL therefore, “showing our protest and resentment against their visit, a total shut down would be imposed instantaneously on the very day of the CM visit to Ukhrul in the 5 villages where the inauguration programmes will be held” it said.
The Tangkhul Naga Long in this connection held a co-ordination meeting with Tangkhul zonal chairmen, Tangkhul headmen association yesterday at TNL office and discussed the matter and future course of action to be taken up.
The TNL at the same time had issued a directive to abide by the decision of the consultative meeting to the headmen of Chingai, Teinem, Phalee, Hungpung and Hunphun/Ukhrul.
The villages should not co-operate or respond to the invitation and at the same time need not organize any public gathering for reception of the visiting CM and his council of Ministers at the village level, decreed TNL.
According to official information available with this correspondent, the Chief Minister and Deputy CM Gaikhangam will the grace the function as chief guest and guest of honour respectively while his (CM) entourage team would be accompanied by I Hemochandra Singh, DK Korungthang, Preshaw Shimray and Victor Keishing.
The exact reason for the Chief Minister postponing the visit to 24 October could not be ascertained yet but reliable sources said that the Chief Minister will be out of station and hence the visit has been deferred to a later date.
According to SP, Ukhrul Hemant Pandey, security arrangements are on in full swing and police personnel have been deployed at all strategic areas and the places/villages the CM will be visiting.
According to sources, the CM’s team will first land at Teinem village where a public meeting will be held before the inauguration of SDO/BDO office after which the CM’s entourage team will rush to Chingai block headquarters for the second inauguration of SDO/BDO office, bank and other building.
The 33/11, 132/33 sub-stations and district hospital will be inaugurated by him the same day.
TNL president Weapon Zimik responding to queries, said, the Tangkhul community welcome development in the district but added that TNL will not permit any Minister or MLA to come for the inauguration.
Since the Chief Minister and other Ministers are scheduled to arrive for the inauguration programmes in the land of the Nagas a total shutdown has been imposed in all the five villages, where the inauguration programme would be held.
This is to show our protest, he said and added that the public will abstain from attending the inauguration programme.
All the village headmen have agreed to support the TNL’s decision, he added.
Weapon Zimik further said that UNC is giving maximum support to the call of TNL.