Dy CM Gaikhangam appeals not to resort to paralysing bandhs
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 28 2012:
Home Minister Gaikhangam has appealed to the people of the State not to resort to violent and paralysing bandhs and blockades for whatsoever any grievances.
Speaking to media persons at Congress Bhavan here today, Gaikhangam asserted that the words 'bandh' and 'blockade' need to be removed from the dictionary of Manipuri people.
Bandhs and blockades affect one and all including even foetuses.
Bandhs and blockades are very rare in other States of India.
If some organisations must resort to bandh/blockade, they must ensure that it is peaceful.
Imposing bandhs and blockades during this Christmas season would definitely harm the spirit and essence of the holy festival, lamented the Home Minister while appealing to all the people to make Christmas celebration meaningful.
Talking about activities of Village Defence Force (VDF), Gaikhangam conveyed that he has issued strict instructions not to detail VDF in normal policing work like maintenance of law and order.
Admitting that VDF personnel are not properly trained and their salaries minimal, activities of VDF should be seen more as voluntary work than as some profession.
It would not be right to give extra duty to VDF for they are prone to committing faults of different kinds.
In case, VDF must be used out of sheer necessity, they must be commanded by one police officer, the Home Minister added.