Women's groups refute allegations
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 10 2024:
Women's groups from Naharup, Pangong and Wakha under Kshetrigao Assembly Constituency have refuted the allegations circulating in social mediaaccusing representatives of women's groups of visiting the Chief Minister's bungalow to receive cash.
Representatives of Naharup Huirem Leikai Women Welfare Development Association, Naharup Pangong Makhong Women Welfare Association, Naharup Wangma Chaokhat Thourang Nupi Lup, Naharup Mayai Leikai Women Welfare Women Welfare Development Association and Wakha Women Development Association Mayai Leikai rebuffed the claims as baseless allegations during a press conference held at Naharup Huirem Leikai in Imphal East district today.
Speaking in this connection, Khongbantabam Punyabati, president, Naharup Pangong Makhong Women Welfare Association, clarified that neither did they receive any money, nor were they induced to vote for any party or candidate during their meeting with the Chief Minister.
She maintained that since he assumed charge as the Chief Minister, N Biren Singh has convened meetings with women groups from time to time to discuss pertinent social issues.
Stating that the recent meeting at the Chief Minister's bungalow was not the first, she clarified that they had meetings with the Chief Minister before the crisis as well as at the peak of the unrest.
In addition, she asserted that the womenfolk met with the Chief Minister to discuss the issues of releasing PDS rice under NFSA for Kshetrigao district, ensuring adequate water supply to the people and solutions for the ongoing crisis.
Punyabati claimed that some individuals with political motives had made the allegation on social media that the Chief Minister had distributed Rs 500 each to the women and bought their votes.
Decrying the reported defamation of the Chief Minister and the womenfolk of the State, she urged the responsible persons to issue a clarification and retract the allegation.