IMPHAL, May 24: Konthoujam Shanti, general secretary of UPPK was the last to sign the tripartite MOU after the representatives of three sides signed the same since he was lodged at the central jail of Gauhati in connection with a case registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against him.
The home coming function was organized by Home Department of the Manipur government. As per the invitation, Home Department made arrangements to begin the function at 11 a.m. but the function was postponed till 1 p.m. in wait for K Shanti, General Secretary of UPPK who was to be brought from Gauhati.
The Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh who was to grace the function as the chief guest arrived at 1.54 p.m. and the ceremony started soon after he was on the dais. But Shanti did not arrive even after the representatives of the Government of India, Government of Manipur and UPPK finished signing the MOU at the concluding program of the ceremony.
However, the outfit’s general secretary arrived at Tulihal Airport, Imphal in a helicopter at about 3 p.m. and came at about 3.30 p.m. and signed the MOU.
He was flown back to Gauhati central jail in a helicopter after he attended the ceremony including taking part in the photo session of civil and police officials and the signing of the MOU.
Meanwhile, eighty cadres of the UPPK including four women cadres in uniform and wearing badges marked as Kangleipak Peoples’ Army (KP Army) went to the IGAR(S) at Mantripukhri and met him one by one and shook hands. Family members of some of the cadres also attended the main event at 1st MR Banquet hall.