Imphal, September 14, 2009:

Amid the relentless campaign launched by different political parties and the Apunba Lup, demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister, following the July 23 BT Road incident, differences among the Congress legislators are beginning to emerge.

Some disgruntled MLAs, who had raised the banner of revolt against the Chief Minister two years back charging misgovernance, have alleged that they are never consulted on any important matters, in the face of the intense public agitation.

Apart from the Apunba Lup, the All Manipur Students' Union has clamped a class boycott and the Manipuri Students' Federation had asked all private tutorial centres to shut down, until the public demands are met.

In the 60 member State legislature, the Congress has 31 members and the SPF Government is supported by the CPI and some other political parties.

"We have not been informed of any discussion or called to meetings to discuss issues arising out of the July 23 incident by the Chief Minister.

This is unfortunate," one of the disgruntled MLAs said.

The legislator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that this does not however mean that they have raised the banner of revolt against the Chief Minister.

Ever since Tehelka came out with the damning photo sequence, Manipur has been on the boil, with the Apunba Lup and the JACs formed against the killing of Th Rabina and Ch Sanjit, launching a series of agitation.

A number of Apunba Lup members have been arrested and detained under the National Security Act.

The Manipur People's Party too has been launching a relentless campaign demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister.

The BJP on the other hand had highlighted the issue to Delhi with some of its delegates meeting the Union Home Minister some days back.

During his recent trip to Delhi, Governor Gurbachan Jagat had met the National Security Advisor.

This is extremely significant, said a source.

However a young and trusted Minister in the SPF Government, said that there are no internal voice of dissent within the Congress.

"We are all together.

There is no such polarisation of ideas and thoughts amongst the Congress MLAs.

With the advice of the Chief Minister, we are all working towards development of the State," he said.

The young Minister however said except for a few legislators, almost all the Congress MLAs, who had earlier revolted against the Chief Minister, are now together within the Govt. On being questioned about the accusations raised by some disgruntled Congress MLAs, he said that instead of waiting for discussions to come up, they should come forward with their suggestions so that a permanent solution can be brought about.

MPCC (I) president, Gaikhangam had earlier assured a group of women folk, who had demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister, that the matter would be put forward to the AICC.

Efforts to contact Gaikhangam drew blank.

Six police commandos have been suspended in connection with the case.

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