Quit notice decried
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 08 2013:
Churachandpur units of Kuki inpi and Kuki Students Organisation have strongly condemned circulation of leaflets by unidentified person(s) asking the Meitei people to vacate Churachandpur town as well as attempt to torch an eating outlet.
Holding a press conference at the Tuibuong office of Kuki Inpi, Churachandpur today, Inpi president Totong Haokip describing the incidents as most undesired events to have taken place in the district headquarters, opined that both acts of circulating leaflets and arson attempt must be the handiwork of some individuals whose mental status might be questionable.
While expressing that the acts amount to undermining principle of peace and co-existence being advocated by the Kuki people, the president asserted that in case the individual(s) do not give in to the public, the kuki community will not tolerate such devilry and consider them as elements inimical to the Kuki people.
Joining the media briefing, Inpi general secretary Daniel Gangte terming the dual acts as parochial and sinister highlighted that since ages Kuki and Meitei communities settled in the district have been maintaining cordial relationships.
Describing his initial reaction to the incidents as remorseful, Daniel said he was filled with anger upon discovering that 'Kukiland' was used in the leaflets.
Further pointing out that such incidents had never occurred in the district and will not be tolerated in the future, the secretary said there is no need for anxiety by all concerned.
According to Meitei Society, churachandpur advisor Rajen Lai copies of the said leaflets were first spotted on May 6 morning (7 am) in front of Khelemba Hotel, an eating outlet run located at the town's bus terminus.
Strong and intimidating words written by marker in white paper-sheets were used in the leaflets that lacked authentication from any organisation, Rajen said joining the media briefing while informing that he personally collected and handed over the leaflets to the district Superintendent of Police LM Haokip.
Quoting the SP as observing that it might be the handiwork of some unknown persons that there is nothing to worry about, the advisor conceded that even though there was no further recurrence of the incident he consulted functionaries of the Kuki Inpi and KSO units to discuss the matter.
Despite enquiries by the two Churachandpur bodies narrowing down on the clues remained elusive, he said and informed that amid high expectation that the circulation of leaflets might be the handiwork of some mischief mongers the incident of unknown person(s) trying to set ablaze Khelemba Hotel at around 4 am of May 7 came to light.
Informing that petrol was used in the futile arson bid, he further said that locals rushed in to put out the flame.
Confiding that Inpi and KSO members were consulted to find the culprits for sustaining the age-old cordial relationships between the Meitei and Kuki people, he also emphasised on the need for every NGOs to contribute their mite in weeding out elements inimical to society.
When a media team approached SP (Ccpur) LM Haokip confided that apart from registering a case the district police have begun investigation into the incidents.
Along with enhanced security arrangement a joint meeting attended by leaders of various civil society organisations of the district was held, he said.