Tengnoupal and Kangpokpi inaugurated.
The chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh has vowed to give a befitting reply to the group behind the ambush on the Pallel-Moreh highway by suspected NSCN-IM elements today.
Despite ambush by armed insurgents in two different locations on the highway the chief minister went forward with the inauguration of the new Tengnoupal district and Kangpokpi district.
Condemning the ambush CM Ibobi said, the government will not be threatened by such dastardly attacks and it will not bow down to such pressure tactics.
Speaking at the inauguration of Tengnoupal district he said, the government is willing to sit with any group to resolve grievances. The state is ready to address any grievance in its capacity but it will not entertain demands beyond the jurisdiction of the state government.
The Chief Minister announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs and employment to next of kin of the deceased police personnel.
The inauguration was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haokip, Revenue Minister I Hemochandra, Health Minister & local MLA D Korungthang, Works minister Ksh Biren, Commerce & Industries minister Govidas Konthoujam, MLA Landhoni Devi besides several village chiefs, CSO leaders and state government officials.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated a newly constructed bailey bridge constructed under the state fund along the Imphal-Moreh road near Tengnoupal.
The chief minister and his entourage arrived at Tengnoupal by road and the ambush at different locations was carried out before his arrival.
Meanwhile, it was a dream come true for the people of Kangpokpi as the Chief Minister inaugurated the new district of Kangpokpi at the district headquarters.
Thousands of people, young and old, men and women as early as 6 am this morning congregated at the DC office complex.
The Chief Minister officially inaugurated Kangpokpi District by unveiling the plaque in the presence of deputy CM and other ministers.
Various cultural troupes representing Kuki, Nepali and Meitei presented dances at the function.
The three MLAs of Kangpokpi district Ngamthang Haokip, Nemcha and Yamthong Haokip presented traditional shawls to the Chief Minister and his team while MLA Nemcha Kipgen presented a Thadou traditional phanek called “Khamtang” to MLA Landhoni.
In his very short speech, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said that new districts are created neither in the interest nor for one community and not against any community.
Deputy CM Gaikhangam in his speech said that violence has no room in the society and it is time the people of Manipur to adapt a habit of “violence free” state by shunning anti-social activities and elements.
He said that even for the government there is limit for patience and when that limit is beyond endurance, we will definitely strike accordingly.
Later, the three martyred policemen who lost their lives in today’s twin ambushes along the Imphal-Moreh highway were given befitting gun salute at 1st Manipur Rifles Samadhi ground here this evening.
Coffins of the three personnel were laid for wreath laying ceremony before the inscription pillar which read, ‘In sacred memory of all the Police officers and men who laid down their lives in the service of Nation’.
Chief Minister of the State Okram Ibobi Singh followed by council of ministers, State top brass police officials and family members of the martyred policemen laid wreaths as a last salute to the departed policemen.
Strongly condemning the act O Ibobi said that the state intelligence will soon find out the group responsible in the twin ambushes.
He said that according to government’s policy the deceased will be compensated with Rs 5 lakhs each and will extend all possible help to the family. He said that the next to kin will also be provided options to be absorbed in a government job according to their educational qualification.
Laying an ambush is a cowardly task but it will never succeed in bringing any solution, he said, adding that it is a heinous crime. He emphasised that killing each other will never bring any solution.
Source: Imphal Free Press
