Hand over Livingstone : Th Chaoba
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 23 2012: Only by handing over self styled Lt Col Livingstone Anal of the NSCN (IM) to the Government of Manipur by the Centre can the prevailing situation be brought under control, said former MP Thounaojam Chaoba, who was recently elected president of Manipur Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party.

Speaking to newspersons at the party's Nityaipat Chuthek office this afternoon, Chaoba, who formally assumed charge as State unit president of BJP from last evening, said that as involvement of the NSCN (IM) leader in molesting and assaulting a Manipuri film actress as well as opening fire at two of her male colleagues have been confirmed the case merits intervention by the Central Government as the naga rebel group is currently having talks with the Centre.

Alleging that Government incompetence is the genesis for the present rage in the state of Manipur, he also questioned failure of the State Government to round up the accused Livingstone Anal inspite of being fully aware of his location.

Further asserting that the State Government should update the public on the whereabouts of the accused person, Chaoba also suggested that an investigation be ordered to ascertain veracity of the charges levelled by the NSCN (IM) that the victim actress made provocative gestures against the Nagas during the musical concert.

Several facets of the general strike as seen in different parts of the state on the second day of the general strike called against molestation of a film actress by one NSCN-IM cadre

While the Delhi Government has been swift in arresting the culprits involved in the gang-rape of a para-medical student in the national capital and had even constituted an enquiry panel, the Government of Manipur lacking similar urgency to round up Livingstone Anal is an affront to the people of Manipur, said the former Union Minister of State.

Demanding Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh inform the public on what transpired during his meeting with the union Home Minister, chaoba also ridiculed inability of the State authorities to apprehend Livingstone Anal when there are more than enough central security forces deployed in Manipur.

Reiterating that normalcy in Manipur can be restored as and when could be restored as and when Livingstone Anal is handed over to the State Government, he confided that central BJP leaders have been intimated to take up the Chandel incident issue with the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister at the earliest.

Pledging BJP's unconditional support to the Government of Manipur in settling the present crisis, the BJP president also called upon the people to exercise maximum restraint to ensure that the age-old relationship amongst the indigenous people is maintained at all cost.

He also appealed to the indefinite bandh sponsors to relax the agitation for atleast two days to facilitate the Christian community celebrate Christmas without any inhibition.