Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 05 2010:
Works Minister K Ranjit has issued strong instructions to the security forces to take up necessary and appropriate measures against the Kuki armed groups which are not only harassing innocent civilians but also disrupting developmental works in violation of the ground rules of Suspension of Operation (SoO) .
Speaking as president of the 2nd prize distribution function to the meritorious students of Sugnu Assembly Constituency held at Ching-Tam community hall at Sugnu today, the Works Minister warned that defying the ground rules of SoO by armed cadres of the signatory Kuki UG groups would not be tolerated.
He also exhorted the people not to remain silent over abduction of labourers and officials by these Kuki UG groups for ransom.
The Minister said that the armed cadres are still kids who do not know even how to clean their noses and clad in torn-jeans, they go about carrying small weapons and harassing the people.
They should be arrested and lodged in the jail, the Minister added.
Exhorting the security forces, he pointed out that the service arms being provided to them are AK Rifles which are highly reliable.
Therefore these torn-jean clad and small arms possessors should not be spared.
"Just tell us about your (security personnel) manpower need, we will take care of it," the Minister declared.
The Minister went on to say that the bridge which is under construction at Serou could have been completed long ago but for the undue disturbances from armed UG cadres who do not understand that it is the same bridge that their wives, children and parents would be using when they are to be taken to Sugnu hospital for treatment in case anybody of them need medical attention.
Ranjit declared that he is fully aware of what the Kuki UG groups may do in the night after he leaves Sugnu but is not afraid and ready to face them.
While expressing concern over the education of children in Sugnu AC, the Minister noted that Sugnu Higher Secondary School where children of all communities can attend classes is already in a pathetic and dying state.
He appealed to the people for support and cooperation in ensuring full-fledged functioning of the Higher Secondary School.
In his address as chief guest of the function, Education Minister L Jayantakumar observed that every possible efforts should be made for the betterment of our children who would also be made to face common examination at class XII level as a National policy.
Joint Director of Education (S), DDO, ZEO Kakching, etc were also present during the function organised under the aegis of Development Committee Sugnu Kendra.
Meritorious students of the Constituency who passed in this year's class X and XII examinations conducted respectively by Board of Secondary Education, Manipur and Council of Higher Secondary Education were honoured with cash reward during the function.
Education Minister Jayantakumar also distributed study materials provided free of cost under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan among students of poor families at the occasion.
Prior to the function, Works Minister K Ranjit and Education Minister L Jayantakumar inaugurated a newly constructed community hall at Ima Panthoibi Bazar at Pangaltabi and dedicated the same to the people.