Thawai apologises, CM assures aid, bandh suspended
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 03 2015 :
After Thawai villagers tendered an apology and following Chief Minister O Ibobi's assurance to provide adequate assistance by May 15 to all those families of Gwaltabi whose houses and other properties were damaged, the bandh imposed on Imphal-Ukhrul road has been suspended temporarily.
A joint press meet of the feuding parties was held this evening at the residence of Lamlai A/C MLA Ksh Biren at 2nd MR Gate where Deputy Speaker Preshow Shimray and Phungyar A/C MLA Victor Keishing were also present.
Speaking on behalf of his villagers, Thawai village chief Ng Khathing tendered an apology for the damages inflicted on Gwaltabi villagers and their houses.
Terming the incident as most unfortunate, the village chief also shared the grief and anguish endured by Gwaltabi villagers.
There was a tiff between the villagers of Gwaltabi and Thawai who supported the bandh called by the All Tribal Chiefs Forum (ATCF) which resulted in a violent conflict.
"Neither I incited any of my villagers nor did I have time to pacify them", Ng Khathing said.
He then called upon all the neighbouring villages and all communities of Manipur to avoid such ugly conflicts in future.
He also urged one and all to follow the principle of forgive and forget.
JAC Against the Anti-Social Activities to Gwaltabi Village by Thawai Villagers convenor Phairembam Rajesh said that a public meeting held today at Yaingangpokpi agreed to honour the apology tendered by the Thawai village chief on behalf of Thawai villagers and forgive the offence.
Coupled with the apology, the Chief Minister during a joint meeting with representatives of the two villages, Deputy Speaker Preshow Shimray, MLAs Victor Keishing and Ksh Biren assured that adequate assistance would be provided by May 15 to Gwaltabi villagers whose houses and other properties have been damaged.
Subsequently, it was decided to suspend the Imphal-Ukhrul road bandh.
However, if the Chief Minister's assurance is not translated into action within the stipulated period, the Imphal-Ukhrul road block will resume, Rajesh added.
One behalf of the JAC, Rajesh regretted the inconveniences suffered by the public during the bandh.