Imphal, September 15: While reiterating that cases pertaining to arrest of TIPS functionaries L Umakanta and Y Thabi are being handled by the Court, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh assured all possible cooperation from the Government side to solve the matter.

Responding to queries from MLAs BD Behring and L Ibomcha on the opening day of the State Assembly session today, the CM who also holds the Home portfolio informed the House that Umakanta and Thabi were arrested as part of the investigation of state police team that had been probing the August 16 bomb blast at ISKCON temple.

The TIPS duo was hauled up in connection with the crackdown on some frontal organisation of outfit/s suspected to be involved in the blast, he explained.

Stating that legal formality had been followed while arresting Umakanta and Thabi, the Chief Minister also disclosed that some documents recovered from the TIPS duo had necessitated their detention to ascertain their nexus with banned organisations.

Accepting that the investigation team could not substantiate charges levelled against the duo, Ibobi said refusal of Umakanta and Thabi to adhere to PR Bond norms had led to their detention.

The CM also explained to the House the process of acquiring the PR Bonds to drive home his point that the two refused to honour the legality of the case.

Commenting on the ISKCON blast and firing incident at a Churachandpur district church recently, the CM said both the acts were beyond human ethics.

Regarding progress in investigation on the ISKCON blast, Ibobi declined to provide details saying that any disclosure at this juncture is likely to complicate the issue but nevertheless exuded confidence that all those involved in the heinous crime can be tracked down and punished according to the law.

Regarding the Church firing the Chief Minister informed the House that an encounter ensued when the Rashtriya Rifles personnel along with two arrested UG activists were heading for a search operation but suddenly came under fire near the church from another armed group.

The CM also objected when BD Behring cited intelligence failure responsible for the gun-fight that resulted in the death of one and injuries to some Church service attendants.

Strongly condemning attacks at religious establishments, BD Behring said whether it be UG activists or security forces not respecting sanctity of temples or Churches clearly reflects that integrity of those behind the attacks are highly dubious.

Chipping in L Ibomcha expressed concern that like in the Lungnila Elizabeth case accused in the case might be able to slip away before being punished according to law.

Reacting to Chief Minister's assertion that Government could not intervene in the Umakanta-Thabi matter to avoid legal confrontation, Ibomcha advised until chargesheet is prepared question of trespassing legal jurisdiction does not arise.

The matter including that of arrest of AMMOCCO's auditor general Ahmad Hussain also raised by MLA Dr Nimaichand Luwang during zero hours.

He desired that the CM explain Government's efforts in maintaining law and order state.

The legislators also voiced strong condemnation against the ISKCON blast and firing at the Church.

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