IMPHAL, Jun 3: Following resignation of Khomdram Ratan from the post of convenor of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), BK Moirangcha has been made the convenor-in-charge of the committee.
The change in the JCILPS leadership was affected after a purported image of Ratan holding a flag of banned UNLF was uploaded on social networking sites which was followed by the Government’s declaration of Ratan as a wanted man with a reward of Rs five lakh to anyone who can provide information leading to his arrest.
Speaking to media persons at their Sega Road, Konjeng Hazari Leikai office this afternoon, JCILPS co-convenor Arjun Telheiba said that convenor Khomdram Ratan has tendered a resignation letter.
While appreciating Ratan’s contribution and dedication to the public cause, JCILPS has accepted his resignation letter.
What is more worrying is the confusion created among the masses by the doctored image uploaded in social networking sites by Government/some elements and subsequent declaration of a reward of Rs 5 lakh to any one who can provide information leading to Ratan’s arrest, Arjun Telheiba said.
“We are also saddened and confused by the recent developments but we will carry on with the movement to protect indigenous peoples. For this, BK Moirancha will take over as convenor-in-charge of the committee”, he said.
BK Moirangcha who was also present at the press meet said that the Government should investigate into the allegations levelled against Ratan and the truth should be spelt out to the public at the earliest.
It remains a big question whether the Government did any analysis of the particular photograph before declaring Ratan as a wanted man.
BK Moirangcha pointed out that Ratan has already dismissed all the allegations levelled against him.
Nonetheless, people appreciate that the all party delegation led by the Chief Minister left for New Delhi today to pursue the three Bills passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31 last year. People are eager to accord them a hero’s welcome when they come back but they must do something which deserve such a welcome rather than simply flying to and back from Delhi.
JCILPS would watch their (all party delegation) activities till tomorrow before holding a public meeting tomorrow itself to decide the future course of action.
It is natural that people would encounter some inconveniences in the course of any agitation. But creating social unrest is not the objective of the ongoing mass movement. It is compelled and driven by the common aspiration for a Constitutional safeguard to protect all the indigenous peoples of the land.
He then appealed to all student organisations, youth clubs and Meira Paibis to support JCILPS in its struggle.
While conveying gratitude to the Indian Red Cross Society for taking injured students to hospital, BK Moirangcha expressed regret for offensive words and actions made by some protesters against Indian Red Cross Society volunteers.
