Correspondent/NNM
IMPHAL, September 3
[dropcap]B[/dropcap]haritiya Janata Party, Manipur Pradesh expressed disappointment over the state government’s inability to tackle the Ukhrul issue in the state.
In a press conference held at the BJP Manipur Pradesh office in Imphal, President Th Chaoba said the present situation in the state came after the government failed to connect people in time and failed to respond immediately. He also blamed the government for not tackling any issues in time before it turned bad to worse.
Condemning the enforcement of excessive police force against the innocent public, BJP State President called upon the government authority to initiate dialogue with the United Naga Council (UNC) and people of Ukhrul district. He also urged the state Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to visit Ukhrul town and talk directly with people of Ukhrul and resolve the situation.President Chaoba clarified that BJP Manipur had a clear stand not to accept any steps which may disturb the integrity of the state and agreed that deployment of the state police is the duty of the state government to control law and order. However he reiterated that BJP can’t tolerate the total blockade on the highways of the state.
Stating that the Deputy Commissioner of the district is under the protection of the Assam Rifles, he claimed there is no administration in the district head quarters.
Former President of BJP Manipur Pradesh and former MLA M Bhorot, former ministers S Ibohal and Gangmumei Kamei also attended the day’s press conference.
Manipur BJP appealed to the United Naga Council (UNC) today to withdraw the call for blockade of National and State Highways beginning tomorrow.
Manipur Government should take steps to ensure normalcy in the strife-torn Ukhrul district, state BJP unit president Thounaojam Chaoba said at a press meet at the party office.
UNC has called for an indefinite highways blockade in protest against the killing of two civilians in police firing during a rally in Ukhrul on August 30. The rally was held against the enforcement of 144 CrPC in the district.
Chaoba accused Manipur Government of ignoring public issues and creating problems and said the recent violent incident occurred in Ukhrul was allegedly caused by negligence of the Government.
The office building of the Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner is now manned by Assam Rifles personnel following the incident, Chaoba said and blamed it on the Chief Minister O Ibobi headed Congress Government.
“I appeal to UNC to call off its proposed stir in the general public’s larger interest,” Chaoba said.
He said a state of lawlessness is prevailing in the district, so now the Centre can intervene with the state administration under Article 355 of the Constitution if a quick solution is not brought about by the state Government.
“We all know the public will have to bear the brunt of the highways blockade call given by UNC. The Government should send its representatives and hold talks with the UNC leaders to end the impasse,” the BJP leader said.
