CM choose rare occasion of honouring hero to question women activists' credibility...
Salutes (L) Major Jyotin, toys with AFSPA option in 7 ACs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 25 2010: Expressing serious concern over the daily incidence of hurling bombs, which has become some sort of an epidemic and firing at residential buildings within the seven Assembly segments of Imphal Municipal area, from where AFSPA has already been withdrawn, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has hinted at the possibility of reimposing the said the Act and asked where the women activists and NGOs who were vociferous in demanding the withdrawal of AFSPA have disappeared.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the occasion of handing over an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakhs to the family members of late Major Laishram Jyotin, who lost his life battling terrorist at Kabul and became the first Indian Army doctor to be honoured with the Ashok Chakra posthumously, at their Nambol residence today.

CM observing a moment of silence in respect of the departed soul and the phota of late Jyotin

The Chief Minister said that despite opposition from the Central Government, the State Government withdrew the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from seven Assembly segments of Imphal Municipal area and deployed State forces in these areas for maintenance of law and order.

However, if the violent incidents in these areas continue to escalate, the Centre may intervene and ask that the ACt be re-imposed.

Now where have the Ima-Iben (womenfolk) and NGOs that were demanding withdrawal of the Act disappeared ?, he countered.

If there is no killing, extortion, hurling of bombs and firing at private residences, the Centre would not say anything when the State Government removes Armed Forces Special Powers Act from any part of the State, the Chief Minister observed.

Pointing to the latest killing of non-local labourer by unidentified armed persons at Waheng Leikai area last night, the Chief Minister said that parents from outside Manipur have been coming for admitting their children for medical studies to JNIMS and engineering studies from NIT.

Such violent incidents may discourage these parents to leave behind their children to pursue their studies here.

We should also not forget that there are many Manipuris outside the State who are either pursuing studies or engaged in various professions, he reminded.

Stating that Major Jyotin lost his life in the hands of those who are fighting for a lost cause and demanding something which is impossible, the Chief Minister said that the situation in Manipur is no different from that of Kabul.

Killing and senseless violence would never bring any solution, he added.

In response to a question on the measures being taken up by the Government to ensure safety of migrant workers in the State, the Chief Minister said to wait and watch what the Government is going to do.

Since it is the responsibility of the Government to protect the life and properties of the people, necessary measures would be taken up, he assured.

When asked whether AFSPA would be reimposed in the seven Assembly segments of Imphal Municipality in view of recurring violent incidents, the Chief Minister hinted at the possibility but hastened to add that this may not be an immediate move.

Handing over the ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakhs to the family members of late Major Jyotin, the Chief Minister said that every Manipur is proud of Major Jyotin.

Sports Minister N Biren and Agriculture Minister N Loken were also present at the occasion and paid floral tributes to the photograph of Major Jyotin.

A two minute silence was also observed by all those who were present as mark of respect to the departed soul.