IMPHAL, May 7: `A crime is a crime. Whether it is intentional or mistake. The culprit involved in the Pallel firing incident resulting in the death of a one person and injuring four others, will be punish according to the law of the land` said Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam.
The Deputy Chief Minister also made a startling revelation contradicting his earlier statement that the Congress will be fielding 130 candidates in the ADC election. He said he now discovered only 90 will be fighting the elections.
The deputy Chief Minister who also holds the Home portfolio stated these during a press conference held at the Congress Bhavan, today.
Gaikhangam revealed that according to police officials the culprit involved in the Pallel firing incident has surrendered to the police admitting that the incident was not intentional but a mistake.
Given the situation, he said that it is up to the court to decide on the quantum of the penalty to be awarded to the culprit while the government do its best to make sure that all those involved will he hunted.
Further clarifying on the difference in the number of the nomination filed today while comparing to the prediction made by him, Gaikhangam said that the sudden declined in the nomination filed by Congress candidates was owing to the existing threat.
The public are well aware of the prevailing situation, he said adding that observing the ground reality, statistically the ruling party has to change the filing of the candidate into 90 and not 130 as predicted earlier.
The ruling party will be supporting the independent candidate in the areas where Congress party has less advantage, he added.
As it is best to follow accordingly with the prevailing situation instead of sticking with one principle he added.
Further responding to queries on charges levelled by other party against the ruling party incapability in maintaining law and order, Gaikhangam stated that it is not the question of inability but for maintaining a cohesive peaceful and in humanitarian manner during the election.
As now the main target of the party is to make the local body functional so that the local people can get the benefit out of the election, he continued.
Further clarifying on the reports of militants in the SoO (Suspension of Operation) interfering in the electioneering process, Gaikhangam mitigated that disturbances could have been a reaction of dissatisfaction towards the inability of the authority concerned to initiate political dialogue.
The SoO groups are upset that despite the Suspension of Operation (SoO) has entered over 7 years yet no political dialogue has been initiated adding that the other contention is the central government asking the outfits for the dialogue in Imphal by sending representatives.
The state government along cannot interfere in this matter as it not alone the state subject but, he said.
Gaikhangam further asserted that on the side of the state government, they are ready to extend any kind of cooperation to bring a peaceful and positive conclusion but without affecting the interest of the people.
The Manipur Pradesh Congress Seval Dal observed the 126 birth anniversary of Dr N S Hardikar, founder of Congress Seva Dal at Congress Bhavan, BT road here today.
Floral tribute was also paid by the led DY CM Gaikhangam and other Congress members during the observation.
Speaking at the sideline after the observation ceremony Gaikhangam stated that DR N S Hardikar has a very special power to attract young people and infuse them with his energy, earnestness and patriotism.
Dr N S Hardikar conceived the idea of Hindustani Seva DAL when he saw how badly his people needed training in discipline and team work for freedom movement he added.
In one of the beautiful quote of DR N S Hardikar it said `Courage without discipline`™ he said `is of no use, and a mob, however brave, is powerless before a trained army. Most of our weakness can be traced back to our lack of discipline.`
Gaikhangam appealed the people of the state to follow the mission and principle of DR NS Hardikar as his teaching and inspiration can make a better person.