Imphal, October 29 2009: Pointing out that the SPF Government needs to strive to end the current impasse and reopen educational institutions, the Manipur People's Party (MPP) has suggested that in case the deadlock cannot be solved by the Government on its own, a special Assembly session may be convened to sort out the matter.

Speaking to newspersons, MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang said an emergency meeting held today intensely debated on the protracted agitation, including class boycott movement triggered by the July 23 BT road incident.

Pointing that continuous class boycott agitation would be detrimental to the future of Manipur he said that there is urgent need for bringing an end to the public movement for which a special Assembly session may be convened for the legislators to discuss and find an amicable solution.

With reference to the release of MPP's general secretary (finance) Y Khemchand on bail, he contended that Central Government realised political conspiracy in Khemchand's arrest and consequently instructed State authorities to ensure release of the MPP functionary.

Dr Luwang further highlighted that Khemchand was briefly detained under NSA with concocted charges of supporting activities of the Apunba Lup, AMUCO and the proscribed UNLF in addition to his alleged involvement in the August 2 general strike call.

MPP members also accorded a warm welcome to Khemchand who was released from jail yesterday.

The MPP president further opined that release of Khemchand from jail, at the instruction of Central Government, is a glaring indication that Government of India has realised State Government machinery misusing the NSA clauses.

Describing as unjustifiable invoking NSA to detain social activists for their alleged involvement in agitations as a consequence of July 23 incident, the former legislator said MPP strongly condemns discriminatory policy of the SPF Government.

He also alleged that SPF Ministers are supporting various underground organisations besides providing money to purchase arms for the banned outfits.

Joining the media briefing, MPP legislator O Joy strongly condemned the frequent assault and abuse of State journalists by security force personnel inspite of the fact that mediapersons have been granted recognition as an important component of a democratic country, besides being accorded the status of un-elected representatives.

Observing that abusing journalists is akin to deriding the principles and spirit of Parliamentary democracy system, Joy further contended that mere transfer or suspension of a guilty police personnel cannot be assumed as exemplary punitive action.

The Langthabal AC MLA also pointed out that in case media persons shun reports of atrocities committed by law enforcing agencies out of fear and apprehension of reprisals serious questions would be asked regarding presence and role of journalists in a democratic society.

He also opined that Khemchand did not violate the law when he opened fire as arms are issued under license as a self-defence weapon.

Joy also called upon the people to intensely debate State Government constantly relying and misusing NSA to curb any democratic and peaceful movement.

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