Former Pradhan refutes allegations
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 29 2016: Former Pradhan of Urok Khongram Gram Panchayat L Krishnamani has clarified that no individual from Iram Siphai was involved in thrashing five youths from Lilong Chingkham Makha at Iram Siphai Mamang Leikai market ground on March 25 .

A public meeting was held at Iram Siphai Louku Lakpa community hall regarding the incident today.

Representatives from Kanglei Inat Kanba Nupi Lup, Iram Siphai, Library and Information Youth Affairs Association, New Athletic and Voluntary Youth Club, Chaokhat Thourang Nupi Marup, Iram Siphai Women's Yaipha Thourang Association, Chongtham Kona Women's Social Welfare Association, Samaj Thoudang Nupi Kanglup, Mutum Phibou Mahila Mandal Nupi Lup and Self Help Club, Laiphrakpam were present at the meeting.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, former Pradhan of Samushang Bitra Urok Khong Gram Panchayat L Krishnamani said that a Thabal Chongba programme was held at Iram Siphai Chongtham Kona on the day.

At around 10 pm, a large number of Thabal Chongba revellers rounded up five youths from Lilong and beat them up black and blue on the charge of trying to steal vehicles, he said.

Saying that Iram Siphai locals only tried to pacify the crowd, Krishnamani clarified that no individual from the locality beat the five youths.

Krishnamani further said that he even tried to disperse the crowd by opening fire in the air from his licensed gun.

He further said that Wangoi police were later called at the incident site and Iram Siphai villagers rushed the injured youth to Wangoi CHC.

Meanwhile, the JAC constituted against the incident has alleged that Iram Siphai locals � Sorokhaibam Romen, Sorokhaibam Gunamani and Sanasam Thoi � were involved in the incident, Krishnamani said.

Maintaining that the JAC's allegation was baseless, Krishnamani further said that Sanasam Thoi is not a resident of Iram Siphai.

He also sought a clarification from the JAC regarding their allegation.

Krishnamani further said that Iram Siphai villagers had submitted a detailed report on the incident to Imphal West Additional SP.

Library and Information Youth Affairs Association member Mani Laishram said that after the incident, some people pelted stones on a group of girls who went to the residence of the Pradhan of the Zilla Parishad and to seek donations for Thabal Chongba on March 26 .

He further said that some people had set a portion of a suspension bridge that connects Iram Siphai Mamang Leikai and Athoukhong on fire.

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