Charges denied
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 03 2011: The charges of pelting stones and using catapults by members of a clan while the religious ceremony held in connection with the death of an elderly member of another clan that led to a clash at Sangaiyumpham Cherapur in Thoubal district yesterday morning has been denied.

Addressing a press conference in this connection at Orient Hotel, Hatta here today, social workers Md Sahid Khan, Md Abir Khan and Md Majibur Rahaman clarified that the incident had nothing to do with the religious ceremony and no clashes had ever taken place at the site of the ceremony.

The unfortunate incident took place following an argument between a man and some other people along the Aribam road of Sangaiyumpham Cherapur Mathak Leikai.

During the argument, even guns were fired causing injuries to four other persons, they asserted.

The three social workers also alleged that fire service personnel did not arrive in time to put out the fire when houses were set on fire in the ensuing clash leading to loss of properties worth around Rs 33 lakhs.

Informing that similar clashes had taken place in the area in the past and an agreement had been signed with the involvement of Chief Minister to ensure such incidents are not repeated, the three social workers said yesterday's incident took place only in Sangaiyumpham Part-II and the public should not be misled in this regard.

They further appealed to the people of the area to maintain peace and communal harmony.

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