Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 17:
Coming out strongly against the refusal of the Chief Minister to grant permission to take the mortal remains of Pebam Chittaranjan to different places of the State so that people may pay their tributes to the departed soul, the Working Committee of Apunba Lup today said that it has increasingly become, clear that the Chief Minister is against the wishes and aspirations of the people.
In a statement, the Committee questioned how long the Government will continue to remain stubborn in the face of the growing intensity of the people's movement, where some are ready to even sacrifice their lives.
The Lup also strongly condemned the police action wherein they fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the people who had come to pay respect to Memita on her Mangani Leihul observation today.
Taking strong exception against the statement of the CM, who is reported to have questioned the status of the Apunba Lup, the Working Committee said that as the Chief Minister of the State, he should refrain from passing such irresponsible and half baked comments.
Instead of questioning the status of the Apunba Lup, Ibobi should ask himself what he has done for the people as the Chief Minister, said the statement and countered whether Ibobi has the moral right to continue as Chief Minister if he is not ready to work in the interest of the people.
Instead of dubbing the agitators as anti-social elements, the Govt should seek the answer to the question why security personnel who kill and maim others are being given protection and, reminded all that till today, the Assam Rifles personnel involved in killing Th Manorama are yet to appear before the Upendra Commission.
The Working Committee reiterated that the general strike will continue until the funeral rites of Chittaranjan are performed but added that the restrictions will be relaxed for those taking part in paying tributes and in performing the last rites of the departed soul.