IMPHAL, December 22: “The Chandel incident on December 18 is the most unfortunate incident; it is an act that even the animals would hesitate to commit. The state government strongly condemns the incident.” This was said by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam at a press conference held this evening at his office at Old Secretariat.
The Dy Chief Minister further said that it is now an open secret that NSCN (IM) cadre Livingstone is directly involved in the incident, where a Manipuri Film actress was assaulted. “Police officers and Assam Rifles personnel have been directed to nab the involved persons in the alleged crime. A combined team of police and Assam Rifles have already launched a manhunt to nab the involved person in the alleged crime,” Gaikhangam said.
The Deputy Chief Minister appealed the general public, civil organizations and members of Film Forum Manipur to call of the general strike considering the Christmas festival. Meanwhile, as scheduled earlier, the Chief Minister has left Imphal for Delhi to meet the leaders at Delhi including Union Home Minister and Finance Minister, Gaikhangam informed. Before leaving for Delhi, the CM had thoroughly discussed the matter of Chandel incident with him, Gaikhangam said.
The CM has an appointment with the Union Home Minister this evening at 6. However, if the CM fails to meet the Union Home Minister today he will meet the latter late by Monday, Gaikhangam said. The CM will submit a memorandum to the Union Home Minister to take up legal action against the NSCN (IM) in regard to the incident, he informed.
As instructed to the DC and SP, Chandel and Assam Rifles, raids have been conducted at several places including the residence of the accused Livingstone to nab him, he said. The combined team have so far searched for Livingstone at the NSCN (IM) noted camp, even when the CO of the camp informed that Livingstone has left and concerned officials including ADC Kangpokpi have been instructed not to let Livingstone get away, he said.
Giving his assurance that the person involved in such an act of crime will not be spared Gaikhangam said that the state government will urge the Union Home Minister to bring out the accused NSCN (IM) cadre through the monitoring cell of the NSCN (IM). While saying not to let the anti-social elements take advantage of the situation, Gaikhangam appealed the people of the state in general and particularly the Film Forum Manipur to call off the general strike considering the Christmas.
Meanwhile, a government statement has notified the suspension of an ASI, HC, PCs of Chandel police station and Reserve Line along with five VDF members of Chandel police station, following their misconduct and dereliction of duty on December 18. According to the statement, the suspended police personnel are ASI, HB Roshan Anal of Reserve Line, Chandel, Head Constable KL Behalshing Anal of Chandel police station and C/NO 0906021, Kh Phungthei, C/No 0906038, Modarphun, C/No 0906061, Lunkholen and C/No 0906048, Kenath of Chandel police station. The suspended VDF members are identified as Moshilpha, Rona, Koningwar, Kanshem and Lunminthang.