Imphal, February 22 2009: Alleging that the SPF Government led by Congress party has failed miserably in protecting lives and properties of citizens and is no longer a popular Government, BJP has demanded resignation of Chief Minister O Ibobi on moral ground.

Addressing a press meet this afternoon, State BJP president and former Speaker Haobam Borbabu asserted that the abduction of six employees including the Kasom Khullen SDO from Ukhrul DC office complex and subsequent mur- der of the SDO and his two staff at Taphou in Senapati district was a clear indication that the State Govern- ment's intelligence, police and other law enforcing machinery have become dysfunctional.

Failure of the Government to book the culprits till date on one side and the vague claim of rescuing/pulling up the other three surviving abducted employees only show the Government's lack of concern on the matter, Borbabu asserted.

The Government's announcement of ex-gratia as if human lives can be measured with money and the vague claim of rescuing the surviving abducted employees aimed at pacifying the people's movement is not acceptable, the State BJP president said.

In case the rebel group NSCN (IM) is found to be involved in the murder, it is the logical responsibility of the State Government to keep a close watch on the peace talks between the Government of India and the rebel group, he asserted.

Suspension of the Ukhrul DC was not enough.

Had Works Minister K Ranjit questioned absence of the DC during his official tour to Ukhrul district on February 14, the tragic murder could have been averted.

As such Ranjit is another person liable to be booked in the murder case.

BJP national leaders have been apprised of the brutal murder so that the matter is put up in the ongoing session of Parliament, Borbabu said.

The State BJP will launch various forms of intense agitation in case the Government fails to book the culprits within five days, declared the former Speaker.

Former Chief Minister W Nipamacha also addressed the press meet.

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