Ukhrul rallies against attack on minister's residence
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang / NNN
Ukhrul/Senapati, September 17 2024:
A protest rally was held in Ukhrul town on Monday to condemn the recent bomb blast at the residence of transport minister Khashim Vashum.
The rally, organised by Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), called for a swift investigation into the incident and improving public safety in the township.
It may be recalled that unknown assailants hurled a hand grenade that exploded inside the minister's residence in Hamleikhong, near the district mini secretariat on September 14 evening.
Even as Ukhrul police have registered a case and commenced investigation into the incident, there remains a palpable sense of insecurity among the town residents.
On Monday, over a hundred people took to the streets to draw the attention of the authorities towards the prevailing situation following the recent bombing.
The march began from minister Vashum's residence and proceeded to the district mini secretariat, where the rally concluded with the submission of a memorandum to the Ukhrul deputy commissioner.
Representatives from various Tangkhul civil society organisations, leaders of Naga People's Front (NPF), former Autonomous District Council, Ukhrul members, and others took part in the rally.
The demonstrators held banners with slogans including 'Stop Such Cowardice Acts', 'No To Bomb Culture' and 'Our Safety Is A Priority', as they made their way through the town till the mini secretariat.
Upon entering the mini-secretariat complex, TNL vice president R Jollyson addressed the crowd, expressing deep concern over the recent bombing and similar incidents that have shattered the peaceful atmosphere of Ukhrul every now and then.
"We are alarmed that such a heinous act could occur in a peaceful place like Ukhrul.
This incident can only create a fear psychosis among the residents," he said.
Later, Jollyson submitted a four-point memorandum to the Ukhrul DC, outlining key demands aimed at enhancing security and restoring peace.
The demands included an expedited investigation into the bombing and arrest of those responsible, enhanced public safety measures to prevent future incidents, monitoring the entry of non-locals into Ukhrul district headquarters and installation of CCTV cameras at all major intersections within the district to deter criminal activities.
Meanwhile, condemnations continued to pour in calling for justice in the recent bombing and increased safety measures to protect the public.
In a statement, United Naga Council (UNC) expressed shock at the heinous act and emphasised that 'intimidation or threats to achieve one's evil desires are not means to solve problems'.
It described the attack on the minister's family as not only an assault on an elected representative but also a challenge to all peace loving citizens bound under the rule of law.
UNC also called for a prompt and thorough investigation, demanding that stringent punishments be meted out to the perpetrators.
It also urged the Naga community to remain vigilant against adversarial forces attempting to sow discord and undermine their unity.
All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) also condemned the 'dreadful act' of detonating an explosive device at the residence of minister Khasim Vashum, stating that such horrendous act of violence has affected the social fabric of a community, created confusion and uncertainty when the state is already in the volatile situation.
The Naga students' body then expressed dismay and concern, as the Naga CSOs are constantly appealing for restoration of peace and normalcy in the state of Manipur and such 'an inhuman act' will aggravate the situation, therefore, it should be stopped immediately for a just society.
While denouncing the 'anti-social vicious act', ANSAM urged the authorities concerned to investigate thoroughly on priority and carry out their duty diligently in bringing justice by giving a befitting punishment to the perpetrators as per the law of the land.
Hungpung Village Authority (HVA) also labelled it as an act of terrorism, and direct threat to safety of those living in the residence and in the vicinity.
HVA also appealed to all to refrain from committing such inhumane acts and urged law enforcement to swiftly investigate and bring the culprits to justice.
Echoing similar sentiments, Hunphun Village Authority reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining harmony and safety in Ukhrul district.
While urging authorities to take decisive action against the perpetrators, the VA called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) remarked that the attack on a public servant highlights the ongoing challenges faced by society amid forces disrupting peace and tranquillity.
It criticised the incident, which occurred in a high-security area, as indicative of lapses in security measures.
TSL also demanded a thorough investigation and called for enhanced security to prevent future incidents, and extended their thoughts and prayers to minister Vashum's family, expressing solidarity against violence.
Numerous other organisations, including the Tusom Khullen Village Authority, New Tusom Village Authority, Village Development Council-New Tusom, and various student and church groups, have joined the chorus of condemnation, reinforcing the call for justice and safety in the community.
Comment
