Saikot MLA incited CCpur arson, FIR processed: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 17 2024: Chief minister N Biren Singh has disclosed that the government has completed formalities to register FIR against Saikot MLA Paolienlal Haokip in connection with the torching of offices of the DC and SP in Churachandpur district headquarters, destruction of government properties and death of two people in mob violence on February 15 night.

The chief minister revealed that MLA Paolienlal Haokip posted a tweet on social media two hours before the February 15 violence, which incited and misguided youth to indulge in violence.

In the tweet posted on 'X' (formerly Twitter) at 8.27pm of February 15, the responsible elected leader mentioned that no one was suspended when weapons were snatched in Imphal while a policeman was suspended in Churachandpur, Biren referred to MLA Paolienlal Haokip's tweet stating that such comments not only wrongly portrayed the state government as partisan but also triggered the violence in Churachandpur.

According to CM Biren, MLA Paolienlal's tweet was a blatant lie as state government had suspended seven personnel in connection with the incident at MPTC Pangei and 5 IRB at Chingarel.

Propagating sectarian politics to mislead the youth indulge in violence is condemnable and state government has taken up steps to initiate legal action against the elected leader as part of fixing responsibility on the unfortunate incident.

It was very disheartening that a responsible person posted such a tweet without assessing consequences, Biren said adding that government will take up appropriate actions to show that there is law and no one shall be above the law in the country.

Terming as unfortunate both the incidents in Churachandpur and at MPTC Pangei, CM Biren said government condemns the incidents in the strongest term and magisterial inquiries will be conducted for both incident.

He continued that actions according to law will be taken up against anyone found guilty.

Expressing suspicion that there could be hidden agenda behind the Churachandpur incident over disciplinary action processed against a policeman, N Biren affirmed that it is the primary duty and responsibility of the government to maintain law and order and protect properties and lives of the people.

On the 24-hour ultimatum served to SP Churachandpur by Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (iTLF), the chief minister declared that the government does not take lightly threats to security agencies and government officials and government will not turn blind eye to such threats.

He also said that an FIR has been registered against an individual named Bab Hauzel, who allegedly threatened to kill SP Churachandpur on social media.

Government and all right-thinking people of the state and the country are with the SP and DC of Churachandpur, N Biren added.

Expressing grave concern over disrespect to national flag during the mob violence in Churachandpur town, he pointed out taking down and trampling on the national flag are acts of shaming the country for which the government shall definitely take punitive measures.

Government had long been silent on threats like deadline served to the SP to leave Churachandpur within 24 hours and other self-styled activities as if there is no law.

For the past 8/9 months, government had been exercising restraint against such anti-social activities but there is a limit of tolerance and tolerance limit is almost breached now, Biren warned.

Questioning as to why the DC's office was torched when anger was directed to the SP for suspending a police constable, CM Biren said there must be a hidden agenda behind the torching of DC's Bungalow and accordingly magisterial inquiry will be conducted and all those found guilty will be punished as per the law.

While asserting that there will be no compromise against any challenge to state and threat to national security at any location, the chief minister said additional forces have been rushed to Sugnu and Lailoiphai areas where gun-fights are reported to conduct combing operations with the ADG (L/O) also been advised to inspect activities in the areas.

On the claims being made by some people and security agencies of classifying buffer zones, the chief minister clarified that there is no buffer zone, boundary or jurisdiction identified in the state though certain areas have been identified as sensitive or hotspot zones.

He further assured the people that no area in the state will be left out from the purview of the state's law and order.

N Biren Singh also highlighted that financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per person to 59,800 individuals staying in relief camps has been sanctioned for the third time along with assuring that the government will soon provide alternative accommodation fdr those in relief camps.

Stating that some anti-social elements are taking advantage of the unrest situation and indulging in anti-social activities like kidnapping for ransom, disturbances to developmental projects, extortion along the national highways, the chief minister strongly called for ending such anti-social activities.

The press conference held at the lawn of CM secretariat was also attended by ministers Govindas Konthoujam and Awangbow Newmai, and MLA Th Shanti Singh.

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