Condemnations galore against firing at ritual party
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 06 2015 : Strongly condemning the firing incident at a spot between Pallel and Aimol villages during the rituals of Lai Lamthokpa last night, Chief Minister O Ibobi today said that the smallest flames of violence must be doused before it breaks out into a conflagration.

One person was killed while four others were injured in the incident.

The State authorities have communicated with the JAC constituted against the incident and the SP posted at the stations concerned regarding the incident, the CM stated adding that immediate action would be taken up against the perpetrators.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam too has strongly condemned the incident and added that the State Govt cannot tolerate such mayhem.

The Dy CM was speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the 223rd birth anniversary function of late Maharaja Narasingh at Sagolband Mabudhou Mantri Leikai.

Stating that the incident at Pallel was very unfortunate Gaikhangam said that the police have begun launching a massive search operation against the perpetrators.

He added that an officer at the rank of DIG has been instructed to handle the case and book the culprits.

Further he said that it would be better if the persons involved in the heinous incident surrender on their own before tension escalates.

Assuring that the culprits would be arrested any time soon, Gaikhangam stated that the matter would be settled very soon and an enquiry would be conducted.

He added additional reinforcement has been sent to the area to thwart any unwanted happenings.

Joining the condemnations, Umang Lai Kanba Lup (UKAL) has demanded the Government to arrest the assailants, who opened several rounds of fire on a group of people who were taking part in the ritual of Lai Ching Thokpa of Ibudhou Sekmai and Nongpok Ningthou at Laithouching killing one person and injuring four others by 5 pm of May 7 .

Speaking to reporters at their office, UKAL convenor Mutum Nganba said that UKAL would discuss the future course of agitation without other civil society organisations if the culprits are not arrested within the given time.

He said that UKAL, HERICOUN and other civil society organisations have given the title of 'Umang Lai Gi Athouba Mapari' (brave son of sylvan deity) to Moirangthem Gopal (40) s/o (L) Gunachandra of Pallel bazar, who was killed in last night's incident.

He further said that these CSOs have also decided to observe May 5 as 'Enat ta singnarakpa sing thengnaminnaba numit' .

Strongly condemning the Laithouching incident, Nganba further said that the incident happened as the State Government has not taken up any measure to protect the lands of different Umang Lais (local sylvan deities).

In the past as well, there were incidents of pelting stones on the people who were conducting rituals of Lai Haraoba ceremonies, he added.

As such, the Government must take up immediate stringent measures to check such attacks before the situation gets worse.

Saying that the culprits of yesterday's violent attack are yet to be arrested, Nganba demanded the Government to nab them before 5 pm of May 7 .

If the Government fails to arrest the culprits within the given time, UKAL along with other CSOs would hold a discussion to launch various forms of agitation from the next day onwards.

UKAL and other CSOs will also form a committee to prevent recurrence of such incidents and also to face the challenges detrimental to the traditions of Meitei.

He said that on the day when the JAC members claim the body of M Gopal from JNIMS morgue, the body would be brought to UKAL office, Palace compound so that people may pay last honour and tributes to the deceased.

Later, the body would be taken to his native village through a mass procession.

He also urged all the Umang Lai committees which are currently organising Lai Haraoba ceremonies at different localities to suspend the rituals and ceremonies of Lai Haraoba for 10 minutes to pay respect to the departed soul.

Meanwhile many civil society organisations of the State have condemned the firing incident at a ritual (Lai Lamthokpa) site in between Pallel and Aimol village last night, killing one and injuring four.

President of All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Dr Y Mani, while addressing a press meet at its office located at Kwakeithel today strongly condemned the incident which could incite violence among different communities.

A team of representatives of different CSOs like AMUCO, Macha Leima, UPF, MAPI Council today went to the site and held a public meeting there, Dr Mani said.

He further said that it is now the time for the State Govt to act tough against those mischief-makers who are out to spark communal tension.

Dr Mani said that there is no guarantee that a public movement would not be launched if the Govt fails to book the culprits involved in creating fear and panic among the public after last night incident.

He also appealed to all concerned to make collective efforts to prevent unwarranted incident and maintain peaceful coexistence.

Speaking at the occasion, adviser of MAPI Council, Th Manihar demanded that the Govt should show its worth by arresting the culprits involved in last night incident.

Instead of resorting to firing tear gas shells, the police and the Govt should act taking cognizance of public sentiments, he said.

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