IMPHAL, May 6: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has assured that the culprits involved in the Pallel firing incident in which one person was killed and four injured will be booked within two days from today.
He told media persons that the Chief Minister has also met with the JAC formed in connection with the incident around 11 am today, and at the same time, the concerned MLAs and top police officials are discussing the incident.
An amicable solution could be brought during the meeting, he said.
Gaikhangam also said that according to police officials, the incident occurred due to an altercation between some youth of Pallel and Aimol villages.
During the altercation some of them brought out firearms and started shooting, however, the intended targets moved out and the bullets hit the innocent devotees participating in the Lailam Thokpa procession, Gaikhangam continued.
Now, we have directed the police to hunt down the persons who fired the guns towards the people, he said adding that the culprits would be arrested by tomorrow first morning.
He further said it would be better for the culprits to surrender before the police, and that a DIG level officer has already started investigation on the incident.
The State government has already urged the Centre to intervene in the issue regarding land encroachment at Dzuko from the Nagaland side, Gaikhangam told the media persons.
Since the inter-State boundary is under the purview of the Centre, the boundary issue has to be settled by the Centre, he said.
The deputy Chief Minister was speaking on the sideline of the 223rd Birth Anniversary of Maharaj Narasingh at Sagolband Mabudhou Mantri Leikai today.
The observation was organised by Maharaja Narasingh Memorial Committee, Imphal and Shri Shri Gopinathjee Temple Board, Nongmeibung under the aegis of department of Manipur Art and Culture.
Speaking as the chief guest at the function deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam stated that a heart to heart connection between the people of the State should be the first priority in bringing a peaceful environment.
The State is no less than any other State as it is a God-gifted State with multiple talents in the field of art and culture, intellectual, sports and in various others he added.
But maintaining a little bit of discipline, work culture, honesty and sincerity will help the people of the state to fight against all odds he asserted.
Gaikhangam also lauded Maharaja Narasingh and said his administrative skills was incredible and that is why the different communities of the State continue to live as one till today.
During the function, awards were also given to eight persons from different fields such as sports, topper of HSLC exam, art and culture, police service, teaching, study of agriculture, children home, Rupmahal Theatre.
The function was also attended by E Sonamani Singh, IAS (Retd) Sahitya Academy Awardee and president Maharaja Narasingh Memorial Committee and R K Imo Singh MLA, Sagolband A/C as the president and guest of honour.