Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 19 2009:
At least four persons who allegedly collected money in the name of fasting lady, Irom Sharmila using names of two organizations were caught by the volunteers of Manipuri Students Federation (MSF) and handed over to the Sharmila Kanba Lup today.
Later, they were produced before the media persons at Porompat PDA complex where womenfolk were staging relay hunger strike showing solidarity to the struggle of Sharmila, repeal Armed Forces (Special) Power Act, 1958 .
The four persons along with some other including a person named Prince Tanngamba of Kongba Nandeibam Leikai were alleged of collecting money in the name of support to Sharmila using two organizations, Sharmila Khongjang Yaipha Thouni Lup and Regional Academy of Youths and Students.
The four persons caught were Chingsubam Gopalmacha, president of both the organizations, L Manohar, Basantakumar Nahakpam (vice presidents), London Thangjam (secretary) and Kh Shyamkumar (assistant secretary).
Prince Tanngamba who is said to be general secretary of the two bodies and other who allegedly involved in the collection of money are yet to pick up.
Shyamkumar who is said to be assistant secretary of the two bodies said that the two bodies were formed in 2006 with Prince as general secretary.
Under his leadership, the collection of money has been conducted around one month back stating that they would light candles in the streets showing solidarity to the cause of the Sharmila.
They collected money from schools and private individuals, he further admitting that they used the name of some persons like brother of Sharmila, Shinghajit as members of advisory committee without the consents of the individuals.
Clarifying that the two said bodies are not related with Sharmila Kanba Lup in any way, the convener of the lup, Janaki said, the said two bodies were fake one and any untoward happening with the members of the bodies will not related with SKL.
She further said that the money collected by the volunteers of the two bodies will be refunded to the concerns schools and individuals with the initiative of the SKL.
She also informed that the general secretary of the two bodies, Prince has hide and could not find when made enquiry at his home.