Protest on, KSO appeals
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 20 2016 :
A sit-in protest cum candle light vigil against the renaming of Thangting SDO/BDO as Kangvai SDO/BDO under the aegis of Khousabung Subdivision Demand Committee continued at Khousabung market shed.
The protesters have been demanding renaming of the new subdivision as 'Khousabung subdivision' .
MDC of Khousabung DCC, Seilenmang and social organisations' leaders of the area addresssed the protesters today.
The speakers said that the Govt should respect the voice of the people and rename the new subdivision as Khousabung.
They pledged to carry on the agitation until justice is delivered.
Meanwhile, Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Leimata unit and KSO Thangting unit have urged the State Govt to put on hold any steps in pursuance of the State Cabinet decision adopted on Feb 10 regarding the renaming of Thangting SDO/BDO as Kangvai SDO/BDO amidst contestation from sections of the people.
In a joint statement, DK Haokip, secretary of KSO, Leimata and Th Ginpum Neihsiel, secretary of KSO, Thangting urged the Govt to defer any steps in pursuance of the Cabinet decision of Feb 10 in the wake of spontaneous protests spearheaded by Khousabung Subdivision Demand Committee until the matter is resolved amicably among the people concerned.
Given the situation arising out of the Cabinet decision of Feb 10, 2016 which has the potential to vitiate the atmosphere of peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic tribal communities, the KSO sincerely appealed to the State Government to put on hold any steps in pursuance of the Cabinet decision, taken in total disregard to the wishes and aspirations of the people, until the issue is sorted out amicably by the people concerned, it said.
The Government should defer further proceedings in pursuance of its decision in this regard until a consensus is arrived at among the public concerned and the matter solved after due consultation of all the stakeholders.
The KSO units stand by the principles of democracy and justice for all, it said.
Any steps taken by the State Government contrary to the appeal should be met with the seriousness it deserves, it warned.