Luwangshangbam incident : Who is the owner of the seized tobacco products? ask MPCC, Ningol Club
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 29 2020:
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) secretary P Sharatchandra has urged the State Government to find out the owner (s) of the tobacco products which were seized by local 'Meira Paibis' at Luwangshangbam Mamang Leikai in Imphal East, yesterday.
He also asked the State Government to dismiss the IRB personnel who escorted the vehicle that transports the tobacco products such as Talab, Zarda, Khaini worth crores of rupees.
Speaking to media persons during a press meet organised by Heingang Block Congress Committee (HBCC), P Saratchandra said that seizing a huge quantity of tobacco products worth over Rs 3 crores from the very locality of the incumbent Chief Minister who also holds the portfolio of Home is embarrassing, especially to the people of Heingang.
The claim that the tobacco products belong to one non-Manipuri (Bihari) is dubious, he said and added that they (HBCC) and the people of Heingang will not accept such allegation as the vehicle which brought the tobacco products was well guarded by security personnel.
Asking why the Chief Minister hasn't taken any actions to the involved IRB personnel yet, P Sharatchandra demanded the State Government to dismiss the personnel and punish the owner (s) of the seized items accordingly at the earliest.
He also opined that the involvement of a powerful person in the case is very likely.
President of Heingang Block Mahila Congress Committee, Thoudam Sumati also stated that they will launch different protest demonstrations until the owner (s) of the tobacco products is revealed.
Meanwhile, Ningol Club has lauded Luwangshabam Mamang Leikai Apunba Meira Paibi and all who seized a huge quantity of tobacco products from Luwangshangbam Mamang Leikai and disposed of it, later.
A press release issued by the secretary publicity of Ningol Club, Sushma Ningthoujam said that morning joggers saw one truck escorted by IRB personnel entering the residence of Laishram (O) Purnima Devi (62), wife of late L Birchandra.
On suspicion, the womenfolk checked the truck and found out that the vehicle was carrying tobacco products worth over Rs 3 crore, she said and added that the seized items were destroyed at Luwangshangbam Maning Ching area.
Stating that security personnel aren't suppose to escort any vehicles, she expressed suspicion that the seized items might belong to a powerful person.
She also asked if the allegation that the products belong to one MLA is true.
Asking if the campaign "War on drugs" can produce its intended result if such items continue to bring into the State unchecked, Sushma Ningthoujam urged the State Government to punish all involved in the business as per the law of the land at the earliest.
Importing such items at a time when the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Tobacco Control) Government of India had already informed that spitting in public places has a risk of spreading the novel virus, is very unfortunate, she continued.