"Trampling Tricolour is insult to whole Nation" : Process underway to lodge FIR against MLA, says CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 17 2024: Chief Minister N Biren has stated that he won't compromise against any challenge on State or National security at any location in Manipur and preparation is underway to lodge an FIR against an MLA for uploading a provocative post on X .

The Chief Minister was very categoric in issuing the statement during a press briefing held at the CM's Secretariat, today.

N Biren continued that magisterial inquiries will be conducted into the violent incident of Churachandpur and the attempt to snatch weapons from Manipur Police Training College, Pangei and 5th IRB post at Chingarel.

To a query, N Biren responded that no documents will be lost due to the arson in Churachandpur as all mother copies are in Imphal.

"Trampling Tricolour is insult to whole Nation" : Process underway to lodge FIR against MLA, says CM

He also said that a process is underway to construct a new DC bungalow in Churachandpur.

The Chief Minister said that the loss of lives in the arson in Churachandpur and during the incident at Mani-pur Police Training College, Pangei were unfortunate but the Government condemns the incidents in the strongest terms.

He said that it is the responsibility of the Government to enforce law and order and safeguard the lives and properties of the people.

Saying that the violence in Churachandpur broke out on February 15 following the suspension of a policeman for his unethical conduct by the district Superintendent of Police (SP), the Chief Minister continued that Government takes the ultimatum served by ITLF which was formed randomly to the SP to leave the district within 24 hours very seriously.

The Chief Minister also said that a case has been lodged against one Mam-bang Hauzel who issued a death threat to the SP on social media .

He stated that the Government and all right think- ing persons of the State and the country are with the SP and the DC of Churachand-pur.

Maintaining that some miscreants also pulled down the Indian Flag from atop the DC office during the violence in Churachandpur and stepped on it, N Biren said that the Government will not remain as silent spectators when people take law by their hand.

Trampling the National flag is an insult to the whole Nation, he said.

Saying that one elected leader posting a baseless post on X to instigate the violence some two hours ahead of burning Churachandpur DC office was unfortunate, the Chief Minister maintained that the Government is preparing to take up an FIR against the MLA.

BJP MLA of Saikot Constituency Paolienlal Haokip, had posted on X on Thursday night "They gave away State security arms and ammunition, none suspended.

They lead mobs to burn down Kuki colonies in Imphal, with no action.

Police personnel appeared in a viral video of Kuki volunteers and he got suspended? Is this a just State? Whoever supports an unjust state..." .

It may be mentioned that two persons got killed in the violence in Churachandpur while over 40 people sustained injuries.

Internet has also been shut down in the district for five days since yesterday.

The Chief Minister also said that the killing of one youth in firing by security forces at MPTC at Pangei and injuring two others were unfortunate but the Government condemns the attempt to snatch weapons from State armoury in the strongest terms.

On the situation at Sugnu and the frequent attacks, the Chief Minister said that a team of experts has been sent in the area to ascertain the source of bombs used there and to see if foreigners have a hand in the attack.

There is no buffer zone in the State and neither the Security Advisor nor the DGP use such a term, the Chief Minister said, adding that certain areas, however, have been identified as sensitive or hotspot zones.

The Chief Minister went on to state that Central and State forces have the authority to carry out search operations and arrest people from any part of the State.

The Government has been exercising restraint to avoid hurting the people, the Chief Minister continued and added that they however won't make Manipur a complete lawless State.

He appealed to all organisations and groups to stop at once intimidating and demanding money from people by taking advantage of the situation in Manipur.

How can people who don't have the mindset to pay money for buying fuel protect the State?, the Chief Minister asked and added that demanding ransoms/money from Government departments, business establishments and families have crossed the tolerable limit.

The Chief Minister also appealed to all concerned to stop collecting taxes from goods laden trucks in Kangpokpi areas.

Saying that Rs 17.52 crore has been sanctioned to provide Rs 1000 each to every person in relief camps, the Chief Minister said another fund has been released to provide compensation to those who couldn't engage in agricultural work.

Cabinet Ministers K Govindas, Awangbow Newmai and MLA Th Shanti also attended the press briefing.