Assurance given, Kongkan killing uproar subsides, bodies taken for last rites
Ukhrul incident could have been averted : Dy CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 31 2012: With the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district, R Sudhan assuring that a written reply to the demands raised by civil society organisations of Ukhrul, in connection with the killing of two hunters at Konkan village in Kamjong sub-division on December 28 would be given if the demands are given in writing, the bodies of the two slain persons have been taken back by the people and handed over to family members for the last rites.

Speaking to The Sangai Express a reliable source said that the civil society organisations of Ukhrul had demanded that the Ukhrul DC give a written assurance that their demands would be looked into yesterday, before the violence broke out.

The DC had on the other hand insisted that the written assurance from his side can be given only when the demands are put in writing.

Gathering at TNL ground where the mortal remains were laid at rest on December 30

Sources said that the matter was apprised to the Chief Minister and finally, the civil society organisations agreed to take back the bodies, defusing the tension that had engulfed the district ever since news of the killings broke out.

The trouble that broke out at Tangkhul Naga Long ground on December 30 evening in which the vehicle of the DC was burnt was apparently due to a communication gap, said sources.

Elaborating, sources said that the civil society organisations had urged the DC to come to the meeting venue at TNL ground and listen to the proceedings.

Under the impression that the civil society wanted to present some demands, the DC insisted that some representatives be sent to talk things over.

This heightened the tension and when the DC finally turned up at the TNL ground, a mob had taken over the gathering and this led to the ugly incident.

Addressing the media at Congress Bhawan today, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who is also the MPCC (I) president said that what happened at Ukhrul TNL ground on December 30 could have been averted and added that it looked like as if the ugly incident was engineered by some NGOs.

Explaining, Gaikhangam said the violence broke out despite an agreement reached at the level of the Chief Minister with the local leaders.

The Government will extend whatever assistance it can, including payment of ex-gratia to the bereaved family members, he added.

Admitting that what happened at Konkan was extremely unfortunate, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the bodies have been taken back and normalcy has been restored.

Sharing his thoughts, the Deputy Chief Minister said that prior permission of the authority concerned should be taken if any public meeting is to be conducted.

The law enforcing agencies too should be on the alert to see whether permission has been obtained for any such meetings or not.

On being asked where and how the 28,000 strong police force are deployed, especially in the backdrop of the oft repeated stand that there are not enough man power in the hill districts, Gaikhangam said that the policemen are deployed all over the State.

Since Manipur is insurgency infested, the policeman are also used for security purposes, said the Home Minister and added that efforts are to recruit more men in Khaki.

Observing that 2012 is a mixed year, the MPCC (I) president said that the Congress party owes a whole lot of gratitude for electing 42 Congress MLAs in to the election to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly.