No provocative words, Dy CM advises
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 07 2015 : Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has urged all civil society organisations not to use provocative words which could incite violence and hurt the sentiments of thousands of people while highlighting or pursuing any demand.

Speaking to media persons by the sidelines of the 126th birth anniversary of Dr Narayan Subbarao Hardikar at Congress Bhawan, BT Road Imphal here today, Gaikhangam stated that the demand for an alternative arrangement for the Nagas of Manipur can only be fulfilled by the Central Govt.The State Govt does not have the authority to give away such demands.

Any step taken up by the Central Govt will be entertained by the State Govt but it should not hurt the interest of the State, he added.

"The State Govt will not be a silent spectator if the interest of thousands of Manipuris are hurt," Gaikhangam added.

He further stated that it is very unfortunate that some CSO of the State were using disturbing words at a public gathering recently and added that it smacked of sheer irresponsibility.

Commenting on the recent developments of the ADC election, Gaikhangam stated that the decrease in the number of Congress candidates is due to threats posed by some UG groups and some Congress men have been contesting the election as Independent candidates for safety of their own lives.

Whereas 130 tickets were given out to prospective candidates, only 97 filed nomination papers.

But winning the election is more important rather than focusing on statistical figures.

Furthermore he stated that if the UG groups wish to contest the election in a free and fair manner in good faith, they would be most welcome, but the narrow minded attitude and their hidden agenda to disrupt the ADC election is very unfortunate and must be condemned by everyone.

Strategically, the candidates were directed to contest the election as independent candidates as the threats have become eminent and pronounced, he added.

The Congress party would provide full support to those Independent candidates, said Gaikhangam.

Later he added that all possible arrangements and steps to thwart off untoward incidents have been put in place.

Further he stated that the main target of the Congress party is establishment of fully functional local bodies in all the districts of the State so that the benefits of all Government sponsored schemes and projects reach each and every section of the society.

Stating that the groups who are under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) are in a precarious situation as the agreement expired some months back.

Given this situation, it is possible that they may pose some hindrances in the upcoming ADC election but State security forces cannot use iron hand against them, he added.

Nonetheless, the State Govt has urged the Central Govt to initiate political dialogue with all groups under SoO pact and bring a logical solution at the earliest, Gaikhangam added.

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