Imphal, October 25 2009: The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has urged the government to instantly end its 'discord' with the media against the backdrop of the alleged assault of two reporters on the night of October 10 by police commandos.

A statement issued by the assistant secretary, IPR of the UCM, N Jiban noted that the government has continued to gag the freedom of expression even if it honours the media persons by instituting awards.

It observed that the people did not appreciate at all the contradictory action of the hand and the words from the mouth of the government.

It pressed the government to bring an amicable solution to the tussle with the media at the earliest with assurance to prevent the occurrence of such incident in future.

Noting that it has been 15 days now that the agitation of the media in boycotting government related news, the UCM statement further posited that it is not a right step on the part of the government to turn a deaf ear to the grievance of the media fraternity.

There is no guarantee of the fact that the accumulated angst of the people would not tear the state when it explodes, the statement added.

The UCM statement maintained that the practice of overlooking past issues with the emergence of another issue.

It asserted that the issue of land encroachment in Jessami area of Ukhrul should not be ignored without any solution.

Even if the area has been occupied by the BSF personnel, the land should be kept under the control of the state.

It pledged that the UCM will not remain a silent spectator on the territorial integrity issue of the state.

Further, the UCM stated that the issue of the abduction of a TD department employee, N Chaoba of Yourbung should not be left to the individual responsibility.

The concerned department should take moral responsibility.

There is no meaning in having a government if it watches the action of the concerned individuals.

In such case, the government has to resign automatically.

The UCM also urged the concerned group not to impose unbearable burden on the abducted man individually.

Citing the killing incidents of Dr H Binodkumar of Yaiskul, young housewife Okram (O) Tamphasana of Serou, Sapam Memton of Pukhao Khabam, five year old Soram Prabhakar of Ithai, the statement asked whether the government is justified in watching the trials conducted by the locals against the culprits in the cases.

It observed that there seems no government at all.

Further, the statement noted that incidents have indicated that the government has failed to protect the lives of its citizens.

It pointed out that even if numerous battalions of security forces are set up to protect law and order, it would be a failure without the support of the people.

It also reminded the government to check the unbearable tax collected on busninessmen by the NSCN (IM) on NH 39 which in turn compelled the businessmen to hike price of commodities in the state.

It noted that the ploy to divide the hill and valley people of the state on the issue of Khwairamband incident instead of trying to fulfill the peoples' demand is unwarranted.

It added that the there has been no case of peoples' movement being fruitless.

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