Iboyaima Laithangbam


IMPHAL, Feb 26 : Most of the political parties in Manipur have started making political capital out of the murder of three government officials by militants of the NSCN(IM), which is holding talks with the Union government after signing a ceasefire 12 years ago.

The kidnapped officials were brutally murdered by some militants on February 17.

Leaders of the Manipur unit of the BJP called on Governor Gurubachand Jagat on Wednesday. During the 45-minute talks, the leaders submitted a memorandum demanding a short spell of the President’s rule.

The memorandum alleged that the present coalition of the Congress and the CPI had failed to administer the State according to the provisions of the Constitution and that government machineries had collapsed. The government could do nothing to close down the three designated camps of the NSCN(IM) in Manipur, where the ceasefire is not in operation.

Besides there are reports of increased looting, extortion of illegal taxes and killing.

Rein in NSCN(IM) The Manipur People’s Party has demanded declaration of the NSCN(IM) as a terrorist organisation since it has admitted to murdering the government officials. The leaders also said the intention was to ignite the communal tinder.

They also demanded direct intervention by the Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram.

In Parliament, the Communist Party of India MP Gurudas Dasgupta asked the Centre to rein in the NSCN(IM). Speaking during zero hour, he said the NSCN(IM) was violating the ground rules of the ceasefire.

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has been camping in New Delhi to meet Mr. Chidambaram and Defence Minister A.K.Antony to talk about the situation stemming from the murder of the three officials.

Reports say that he will demand custody of the NSCN(IM) men responsible for the murders.


Day curfew lifted Day curfew has been lifted from the two districts of Manipur. However, night curfew remains in force as the protesters are planning torchlight processions.

Sit-in protests are continuing throughout the State.