IMPHAL, March 22: The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has demanded a clarification from the Home Department for allowing the NSCN-IM to celebrate its 37th Republic Day celebration in the State in full public view.
The NSCN-IM (GPRN/NSCN) reportedly celebrated its 37th Republic Day in district sports complex situated at the district head quarter Chandel district yesterday attended by kilonsers (Ministers), tatars (MLAs), rank and files of GPRN/NSCN, various tribe leaders, representatives from NGOs, churches, student body, civil societies, chiefs and people from different villages.
Wary over the open celebration by the outfit, a group which has always been considered as a threat to the territorial integrity by many, the UCM questioned the silence maintained by the government on the matter.
Speaking to media persons during a press conference convened today in connection with issue, UCM’s president, Elangbam Johnson, maintained that the celebration has raised serious doubt in the mind of the public on the competency of the government.
The NSCN-IM is a group that has always been working against the aspiration of the people and its integrity, he said adding that 18 precious lives were lost while opposing the anti-people agenda of the outfit. Moreover, the outfit is notorious for perpetrating anti-social activities in the State, he said.
Against this backdrop, allowing such a group to make its presence felt openly has become a cause of concern for the public, the UCM president continued.
Given the circumstances, it is every right of the public to seek a clarification from the authority concerned, added Johnson and condemned the development in the strongest term.
He questioned the position of the State Home minister Gaikhangam on the incident.
Johnson, further questioned whether the development was due to lapses on the part of the intelligence department and district authority?
If not, it would be wise for the Home minister take his moral obligation of stepping down as a mark of accepting his fault.
At the same time, Chief Minsiter should also take equal responsible to give full reports of what went wrong, said the UCM president before demanding action against any incompetent officials of the State.