Richard Loitam: Student bodies tell K'taka based counsellors to pack up
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 23 2012: Intensifying its agitation in demanding justice for Richard Loitam, the six students' bodies�AMSU, MSF, DESAM, KSA, SUK and SWAK, have asked counsellors of various Karnataka-based educational institutes who are in the State to counsel students to leave the State within 24 hours starting from 6 am of tomorrow (May 24) .

The students' bodies have also imposed a ban on the sale of any Karnataka-based products in shops and stores until the Karnataka, Manipur and Central Governments hand over the case of Richard's death to the CBI.

Addressing reporters at the Keishampat office of KSA, General Secretary of DESAM, Arambam Thoithoi said the students' bodies have been launching several agitations demanding a CBI probe on the case of Richard and Laaba's deaths.

Directing the counsellors of Karnataka-based educational institutes to leave the State within 24 hours begining from 6 am of May 24, the A Thoithoi urged all hotel owners and individuals not to give shelter to them while also warning that concerned individuals would be held responsible for any outcome arising out of defying the restriction.

Thoithoi said the restriction on the presence of Karnataka based institutes' representatives would be enforced until the cases of Richard and Laaba's deaths are handed over to the CBI.

Stating that it is part of the non-cooperation agitation, Vice-president of DESAM Angamba asserted in no uncertain terms that the State Government should make public the information culled by the police officer who was sent from Manipur to Karnataka in connection with the death of Richard.

Flatly rejecting the report which attributed the death of Richard to a heart ailment which could be 'hereditary' Angamba reiterated that the case be handed over to the CBI.

He also added that the culprits be given fitting punishment.

Alleging the Government of being less serious in the case, the student leader lamented that the Government has done nothing tangible other than announcing that it communicates with its Karnataka counterpart through the media.

A ministerial team should be deputed to exert pressure to the Karnataka Government on the matter, Angamba further conveyed.

Representatives of AMSU, MSF, DESAM, KSA, SWAK and SUK attended the press meet.

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