MLAs appeal not to believe rumours, maintain calm
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 24 2023:
Asserting that MLAs and ministers are for the public and they are bound to intervene in any mob incident in their capacity, PHE minister L Susindro has termed the attack on him for rescuing a person from mob violence as unfortunate and appealed not to repeat such acts.
Lamlai MLA.
Kh Ibomcha also appealed to the public not to believe in rumours but to verify any information or suspicion they have.
Addressing a press meet at his Khurai Sajor Leikai residence on Saturday, Susindro said he has been carrying out his responsibilities as a minister for the welfare of the public and stressed that the public should endeavour for peaceful coexistence.
While regretting that there is deep mistrust among the Meetei community amid the ongoing crisis, Susindro said since outbreak of the violence on May 3, he has been proactively involved in helping the displaced people.
On Friday too, he along with Lamlai MLA Kh Ibomcha went to Yaingangpok-pi upon receiving information about fresh violence and army restricting movement and to talk to the army officers.
On the way back from Yain-gangpokpi, he came across a mob at Sabungkhok and was told that two informers of Kuki were rounded.
As he went to enquire about the incident, one of the two women turned out to be Geeta, secretary of Khurai Mothers' Association, who relayed the information about the Yaingangpokpi incident to him.
The other woman was a resident of Keirao AC, who runs a shop of homeopathy medicines at Lamlong.
Though the mob had started assaulting the two women, local club members managed to control the situation.
After intervention by additional SP (Ops) Imphal East and COCOMI members, the two women were released and taken to a hospital for treatment.
However, on the way, some people tried to obstruct their move probably unaware of the development and in the tussle, his escort personnel fired some rounds in the air.
Upon reaching Khurai Konsam Leikai, he told the local Meira Paibi activists about the incident and pacified them.
Unfortunately, there were some among the mob who raked up election issues.
After briefing the CM on the incident, he along with MLA Ibomcha went to Raj Medicity and met the two women, during which the one from Keirao AC said she has been helping displaced people by contributing money since the violence started and expressed resentment over the allegation and assault.
The Khurai MLA said BJP Imphal East district office at Sajiwa Jail Lamkhai, two trucks for transportation of rice and heavy machineries that predate his political journey were burned by a mob.
Moreover, pipes for PHED sewerage projects worth Rs 120 crdre were burned at Phaknung Lamkhai.
Attempts were made to bum his home too but state and central security forces prevented the attempt, he said.
According to MLA Ibomcha, the mob first rounded up Aruna of Keirao following which they 'also detained Geeta while she was trying to defend Aruna.
Later, the public in the pres ence of the minister, himself, police officers and media persons verified that both were innocent and they released the two women.
COCOMI members also identified them as persons, who have been helping the displaced people.
Unfortunately, some persons with vested interests spread rumours that MLA Ibomcha and minister Susindro rescued two Kuki informers, and it led to further violence on Friday night.
He then appealed to the public not to believe in rumours but verify any information they get before reacting.
He also called for maintaining calm and remaining united in this situation.
Comment
