CM vows to rein in trigger happy SFs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 26 2020: Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren has pledged to rein in security forces and ensure that security forces do not indulge in violence and killing of civilians in the State.

Speaking at a flag hoisting ceremony of BJP candidate in Wangoi AC, Oinam Lukhoi at his Yumnam Huidrom Thiyam Leishangkhong residence today, Biren said there was a time when extensive search was carried out when a male member of a family did not return home till late evening.

People, particularly womenfolk used to gather at Meira Pabi sheds and kept vigil for whole night when army or police came to their localities.

But nowadays these are things of the past.

Today, police and public share a cordial relationship.

CM vows to rein in trigger happy SFs

These landmark changes were made possible by the BJP-led coalition Government, Biren claimed.

Apart from putting a stop to killing people by security forces, the Government has ensured that there are no more bandhs and blockades in the State.

Moreover, the Government has succeeded in fostering closer relationship between hill people and plain people, he said.

After CMHT and CMST, the Government has been working hard to launch a welfare programme for children who have lost one parent or both, added the Chief Minister.

"But I would not declare the welfare programme as the election code of conduct is in force", said the Chief Minister.

He said, "It is our pledge that no one goes to sleep on empty stomach, no one sleeps under leaky roof and no one is deprived of health care services on account of poverty.

"We would wipe off the tears of suffering people", Biren vowed.

But the Government despite its dedication to the cause of the masses was unable to function at ease because some groups were making repeated attempts to topple it, he said.

It is everybody's knowledge how one party submitted a representation to the Governor claiming the Government had been reduced to minority and a no confidence motion was raised in the State Assembly.

O Lukhoi was among those few individuals who came forward during those critical days to save the Government with a firm belief in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP's principles at the cost of their membership of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Sacrificing the post of MLA in order to save a Government was something unprecedented not only in Manipur but also in the whole North East, Biren said.

As suggested by BJP Central leaders that such selfless representatives should be rewarded, the Government allotted Ministerial berths to O Lukhoi and another, Biren said.

Saying that politics is basically about grasping power, Biren asked the people of Wangoi AC to decide whether O Lukhoi who is already holding power or someone who is not sure of getting power should be elected in the by-election.

"But we would be waiting for Lukhoi", he added.

It was rather unfortunate that a group of people prevented O Lukhoi from canvassing at a village of Wangoi AC, Biren continued.

Let all the candidates campaign for elections and people may elect whom they prefer most.

No force can prevent people from electing the candidates of their choice, Biren said.

But preventing any candidate from campaigning smacks of dictatorship and is not permissible in a democratic State or country.

The Government would not remain silent to such tactics and it will take up necessary action, if repeated, he said.

The flag hoisting ceremony was presided by BJP Wangoi Mandal advisor Khuraijam Sarat.

BJP National general secretary Dilip Saikia, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, Ministers Th Biswajit, S Rajen, O Henry, MLAs L Rameshore, L Susindro and BJP Manipur Pradesh president S Tikendra also attended and spoke at the function.

The Chief Minister and his team also addressed an election rally of independent candidate in Lilong AC, Abdul Nasir held today at Khekman Jilla Keithel.