NSF calls off indefinite bandh; refutes allegation

The bandh has been lifted after the government of Manipur fulfilled all the charter of demands put forward by the student’s body, informed NSF officials during a press conference at the DNSU office on Friday evening.

Meanwhile, Manipur’s ADGP and I/c IGP (Adm), C. Doungel in an official correspondence informed that the five police personnel, involved in the February 14 incident at Mantripukhri, were suspended after a departmental enquiry was conducted by a senior police officer.

Manipur government has also assured safety of all Naga people and Nagaland registered vehicles plying through Manipur. Doungel also said that the incident was “unfortunate and regrettable”. 

NSF while appreciating the sincerity of Manipur Government, also expressed hoped that the government would uphold their commitment in letter and in spirit.

NSF further condemned the statement made by Gaikhangam, RK Imo and Biren Singh in the Manipur Assembly, saying “they have exposed themselves of who they are”. 

NSF also refuted the allegation that it first went communal. Those who started communal and victimized the persons were shielded, NSF said, adding, “the people will judge them for their narrow politics”.

Meanwhile, NSF has thanked all civil societies, its federating units and subordinate bodies, volunteers for extending their solidarity in making the indefinite bandh a success and the media for the unceasing support to the people’s struggle.

NSF also expressed regret for the inconveniences caused to the public during the bandh.

Imphal Correspondent adds: Denouncing the suspension of their colleagues, police commando personnel attached with Imphal East district police staged an ‘arm down strike’ Friday afternoon.

The agitating police personnel alleged that the Manipur government went by the pressure of the student body.

Sources said that the police personnel have reportedly decided to stay away from duty with immediate effect. The police personnel further said that such a move was nothing but to demoralize the police force in performing their duty to enforce the law of the land.

On the other hand, Congress MLA, N. Biren expressed dismay over the government’s action. While discussions were on in the Assembly to pass the demand for grants of police department, Biren also said that the move had demoralized the police department.

NH lauds NSF: Naga Hoho (NH) secretary (Adm) Chitho Nyusou in a press release, lauded the NSF “for enabling and waking up the Manipur government and making the government call and accept a crime as a crime, committed by its security forces…” 

NH said that the erring jawans led by the sub-inspector, were well aware of the dignitaries travelling in the entire state of Manipur enroute to Ukhrul on February 14. 

The hoho condemned the incident and stated that it was “just to try their luck in mishandling the NSF officials with the hope and aspiration for earning medals as exercised in Manipur with all the hills people and particularly against the Nagas”.

NH acknowledged the sincere effort of Manipur government, particularly DIG IK Muivah IPS (who investigated the case), and NSF president Subenthung for resolving the issue that had embroiled the two neighbors.

Further, NH opined that language, which was one’s own pride, “should not be imposed upon innocent travelers, be it in Nagaland or in Manipur”. The hoho hoped that the security forces manning the check gates would also honour and respect one another.