Tender apology to Thoubal public or face another spell of intense agitations: Wangjing public to CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal/Thoubal, September 19 2024: Strongly condemning the Chief Minister's recent controversial statement which went viral on social media, a public meeting held at Wangjing Laikol Community Hall has demanded an apology from N Biren Singh to the people of Thoubal while cautioning that intense agitations will be launched otherwise.

The public meeting organised by Apunba Wangjing Kairembikhok Apunba Ema Lup was graced by Naorem Thoibi, president, Wangjing Kairembikhok Apunba Ima Lup, secretary Laishram Santi and Th Rojen, president, SOCDEC Wangjing as presidium members.

The Chief Minister had allegedly assigned blame to the people of Thoubal, Heirok and Wangjing for inciting violence in the State recently.

Speakers at the public meeting strongly denounced the Chief Minister's remark of September 17 and pointed out that the first martyr of the ongoing conflict was a Wangjing resident.

Accusing him of dismissing such dedication and sacrifice made by the people of Wangjing, the speakers said that his statements have led people to question if he is the Chief Minister of Imphal only.

After detailed discussion, the public meeting collectively resolved to condemn i) the Chief Minister's remark, ii) his disregard for the contribution made by the people of Thoubal in the ongoing conflict and by the youth of Wangjing and security personnel, iii) his alleged inability as a leader to view Manipur or even the valley areas as a unit, iv) his allegedly politically irresponsible and divisive remarks and lastly, v) the gathering resolved to launch a series of agitations if the Chief Minister does not tender an apology to the people of Thoubal, whom he has reportedly brought into disrepute.

In addition, Leishangthem Apunba Lup (LAL) and meira paibis have also condemned the Chief Minister's remark and called it "irresponsible" .

In a press release, LAL president Heigrujam Priyokumar Singh has urged the Chief Minister to resolve the humanitarian crisis in the State and depart from viewing things from a narrow political lens.

Meanwhile, representatives of Heirok Part I, Part II and Part II Gram Panchayat, Zilla Parishad and Municipal Council have come out strongly against depiction of Heirok and its people in a bad light on social media platforms in connection with the violent protests in Kakwa, Imphal and Singjamei recently.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul today, Heirok Zilla Parishad Administrative Moirangthem Rajmani denied claims circulating in social media which claimed that Heirok citizens incited violence in the protests.

Appealing against smearing the reputation of Heirok people, he further urged Chief Minister N Biren Singh to make his statements based on accurate intelligence reports.

Further, he called for the arrest of individuals disparaging Heirok on social media.

At such a crucial juncture in the midst of the conflict, he urged people to stop weaponizing Heirok and its people as a way to divert people's attention from the crisis.

Meanwhile, Heirok Municipal Council Ward No 4 Councillor Khundongbam Noyon pointed out the contribution of Heirok people in the ongoing crisis.

Stating that two from the area have laid down their lives during the conflict, he added that many others have been left disabled due to serious injuries sustained.

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