IMPHAL, June 2: A criminal case has been registered at Singjamei Police station, Imphal West district against Khomdram Ratan, Convenor JCILPS today, for being a member of a banned outfit United National Liberation Front (UNLF).
Kh Ratan son of late Kh Ibotombi is a resident of Singjamei Wangma Kshetri Leikai under the jurisdiction of Imphal West district police.
A statement issued by PRO Manipur police, also said a reward of Rs. 5 lakhs have been announced for any individuals who may provide information leading to Ratan’s arrest.
It said the case was registered against him for being a member of banned outfit UNLF and for indulging in prejudicial activities against the state, promoting social unrest and enmity amongst different groups of people living in Manipur in the recent past.
The order however does not specify if it is basing the charges on the JCILPS leader on a picture of unknown origin which suddenly appeared on the social network site Facebook yesterday evening.
The order further said “the individual is absconding and Imphal West District police are making all out efforts to arrest him at the earliest”.
It also notified the public to contact the following numbers which included SP Imphal West district (9436023018), Additional SP (Ops), Imphal West (9862497906), Additional SP (L/O), Imphal West (9402882416), OC Singjamei Police station (9436026170).
Prior to the police order declaring the JCILPS convenor as wanted, Ratan had clarified that the picture that went viral on the social media of him allegedly taking oath of allegiance holding a flag of a ban UG group was a plot to tarnish the ongoing movement to safeguard the indigenous population of the state.
Speaking to reporters, in a brief press meet held today at the JCILPS office located at Keisampat, Sega Road, Khomdram Ratan opined that he is ready to face any trail against him.
Contending this was not the first instance of a public leader becoming target of certain elements, he charged that the image uploaded in the social media was a manipulated.
He further held that the image uploaded was totally baseless and unfounded and appealed to all section of society not to become prey of such sinister propaganda on social media like ‘facebook’.
Reaffirming the stand to continue the mass movement under JCILPS to have the ILPS implemented in the state, he said that the ‘baseless’ allegation cannot become a setback, or allowed to derail a people’s movement set in motion to save the future generation.
He announced that in continuation of JCILPS ongoing agitation, the JCILPS will boycott Government offices in the state from tomorrow.
Khomdram Ratan further said that he welcomes the state government’s decision of sending a delegation to Delhi to mount pressure on the Central Government for three bills recently passed in the Manipur Assembly and awaiting the assent of President of India.
He urged the political parties’ delegate to accurately table the desire of the people of Manipur to have the ILPS implemented in the state.