"Ineffective SA, DGP should be removed before pubic stir"
Source: Chronicle News Service
Bishnupur, June 15 2024:
Thangjing Pana Moirang Sub Division chief advisor L Gopal Singh has demanded security advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Manipur Rajiv Singh be removed from their posts before a public stir erupted as they have been ineffective to control ongoing conflict in the state even after 13 months.
Addressing a press meet at one of Manipur's historical sites, Moirang Kangla Konung on Saturday, L Gopal stated that it condemns the killing of Soibam Saratkumar in Jiribam by Kuki militants, burning of Meetei houses by Kukis in the presence of Assam Rifles and attacks carried out at various places by Kuki militants in Imphal East and Imphal West districts after the Lok Sabha election.
Recalling that Kuldiep Singh was appointed as the security advisor on May 29, 2023 by Union home minister Amit Shah, he asserted that he should resign from his post as he has not been able to stop the increasing number of attacks carried out by Kuki militants on Meetei people.
Gopal continued that the recent attack on an advance convoy of chief minister N Biren by Kuki militants, which resulted in injuries to two people proves that state security force has been handling the crisis wrongly.
Hence, DGP Manipur Rajiv Singh should resign on moral grounds, he demanded, while questioning why the state government is remaining silent on the matter.
Claiming that there are ample proofs of AR supporting the Kuki militants, Gopal asserted that inability of the state government to remove AR from Manipur shows that it is weak.
He also reiterated that AR should be withdrawn from Manipur immediately.
Gopal also noted that agriculture season has started but the government has not made arrangement for providing security to farmlands located near the foothills.
If the farmers cannot cultivate their lands, then how will they sustain themselves, how will daily wage earners survive without rice.
It's time for the government to start focusing on ensuring agricultural activities are conducted without any hindrance, he said.
Stating that it is very unfortunate that the government has failed to protect historical sites of Manipur including Thangjing and Koubru from Kuki aggression, Gopal further cautioned that unless the government convenes a session of the state assembly to oust SA Kuldiep Singh, DGP Manipur Rajiv Singh and AR from state then they will launch intense agitation in consultation with other CSOs.
The press conference was also attended by Ibudhou Thangjing Pana Moirang Sub Division convener Y Tomba, co-convener Y Shyam, members K.Jugin, H James and O Ibomcha.