IMPHAL, December 15: BJP Manipur Pradesh president Th Chaoba has today questioned why deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam cancelled his already scheduled December 13 visit to Shomai Village, Senapati for the Pentennial fellowship ceremony of the Poumei Naga Baptist Association.
Speaking at a small function of the party welcoming members of zilla parishads and pradhans into the party, Chaoba asked whether the State government is functioning under the directive of the underground group NSCN (IM) from Hebron, Nagaland.
Questioning how a leader of the State could cancel his visit to his people, he said why the Home minister was afraid of visiting his own people inside his own State due to a mere threat from the NSCN (IM).
And if the deputy Chief Minister was not afraid then why did he cancelled the trip during which he was supposed to be accompanied by several other MLAs, Chaoba demanded.
He continued that he had heard reports of the NSCN (IM) threatening the fellowship programme even though all preparation for Gaikhangam and his entourage to attend the programme had been done.
Continuing to attack the MPCC president who is also the State Home minister, Chaoba ridiculed as to whether the government is really afraid of the NSCN (IM).
He said even the leader of the present government Okram Ibobi Singh was welcomed with signboards saying `Welcome to Nagaland`™ inside his own State, but the government had decided to remain silent.
He continued although the police arrested some NSCN (IM) cadres from inside the State, many carrying guns have been allowed to roam freely.
Is the State government showing favouritism to the NSCN (IM), he asked.
He demanded clarification from the State government on why the deputy Chief Minister cancelled his trip to Senapati.
Chaoba further raised concern whether the State government was actually functioning in the hill districts or functioning under the militant outfit.
He asked whether the State forces have no power to face the threats of the NSCN (IM) even in the State.
BJP State spokesperson also questioned the State government and said the party is suspicious of the strong restriction raised by the Ibobi government against the entry of NSCN (IM) leader Muivah into the State.
He said it could have been a drama played out by the two sides for the Congress to gain some votes.
The party today welcomed the uppa adhyaksha of Imphal East district, zilla parisad Paonam Sunder Singh from Leirik Yengbam Zilla Parishad, Kontha Khabam Gram Panchayat pradhan L Ratana Devi, Heingang Gram Panchayat L Manihar and Laishram Langlonba alias Bobo member Heingang Gram Panchayat Ward Number 4.