ICHAM condemns
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 04 2016: Information Centre for Hills Area Manipur (ICHAM) today strongly condemned the circulation of a bulk message through social media which said that some sections are objecting the attendance of delegates from Myanmar at the Thadou cultural festival which is scheduled to be inaugurated by Chief Minister O Ibobi tomorrow in Sadar Hills.

Addressing a hurriedly convened press meet this evening, ICHAM president N Rajendro alias Boy said that ICHAM came across a bulk message through WhatsApp in Thadou dialect about the objection of delegates from Myanmar for the Thadou cultural festival by a section of the people.

He said that the contents of the message have the potential to inflame communal passion.

Boy condemned the circulation of such message as the festival is one of the biggest annual cultural festivals of Thadou community which is to be participated by Thadous from different parts of the country as well as neighbouring country.

The annual festival will be held from tomorrow till April 8.CM O Ibobi and Dy CM Gaikhangam will attend the inaugural function of the festival tomorrow.

Circulation of such an unfounded message will lead to tension among different communities and it seems that some sections of the people are trying to create communal tension among different communities as was evident from the past experiences, he said.

He also stated that ICHAM will file a legal suit under 153 IPC against any community or organisation who obstruct other communities from attending the festival or create misunderstanding by spreading rumours which can lead to tension among the different communities.

He also asked those who circulated the message to provide the name of the organisation which raised objection to the Thadous from Myanmar attending the annual cultural festival.

He also assured that ICHAM will not allow such organisations to exist in the State any more and if they fail to produce the particulars then they will not also remain silent on it regarding the spreading of such message which could lead to communal tension in the State.

He also asked why the State Government has failed to take up any precautionary measures against such misleading bulk message through social networking sites like Facebook and WhatsApp.

He also asked all concerned to take action against those circulating such misleading message which can create communal tension among different communities and punish them.

He also stated that the State Government has already given its approval to allow the Thadous from Myanmar to attend their annual cultural festival in the State.

He also appealed to all to allow the delegates from Myanmar to attend the festival and extend cooperation and hospitality during their stay in the State.

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