Shots fired at CM Ibobi's function
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 17, 2011: Suspected KRA cadres rained a volley of fire at a function attended by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi at Kangpokpi today.

The function was elaborately organised for laying foundation stones of four new blocks of Sadar Hills namely; Island Block, Tujang Waichong Block, Kangchup-Geljang Block and Champhai Block and for inauguration of Kangpokpi ADC complex.

Just about 30 minutes before the function kicked off, a loud burst was heard on the side of Hijang along T Khullen Range at about 11.30 am.

This was followed by a volley of rapid gunfire directed towards the function venue.

People who came to attend the function saw two individuals standing beside a tree on the footpath leading to Hijang from where the gunfire originated.

A spent bullet which hit a latrine on the southern side of the ADC building was recovered by security personnel.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, Revenue Minister Th Debendra and Works Minister K Ranjit reached the venue at about 12.10 pm.

Without any delay, the Chief Minister promptly inaugurated the ADC complex by unveiling the inaugural plaque.

After inaugurating the ADC complex, Ibobi went inside and inspected the newly constructed ADC complex together with Th Debendra and Ranjit.

CM Ibobi laying the foundationstones at ADCComplex-Kpi

As they were looking at the building from inside, another volley of fire was shot towards the meeting venue.

Taking serious note of the unfolding situation, Home Department officials and organisers of the function suggested the Chief Minister shorten the function.

However, the Chief Minister was in no mood to leave in haste.

Following due procedures, he laid the foundation stones of Island Block, Tujang Block, Kangchup-Geljang Block, Champhai Block and office building of Lhungtin SDC Circle at the ADC complex.

As Chief Minister O Ibobi, Revenue Minister Th Debendra, Works Minister K Ranjit, MLA Thangminlen Kipgen and MLA Haokholet Kipgen took their seats on the dais, the Chief Minister's bullet-proof car was parked just beside the dais near the barricade on the direction from which the gun shots were fired.

The ministerial team led by the Chief Minister left Kangpokpi after attending the whole length of the function and having lunch without making any haste.

After the function was over, a commando team led by DSP (Cdo) Imphal West S Ibomcha moved in to Hijang area and conducted search operation.

Though some cartridges were recovered from the village, there was no report of any arrest, informed a police source.

Meanwhile, Kangpokpi Police have registered a suo motto case in connection with the gun attack.

Though it cannot be established exactly, the attackers are most probably KRA cadres as the area from where the attack was launched is a shelter of the outfit.

Notably, KRA is a party to the Suspension of Operation pact.

Speaking at the inaugural cum foundation stone laying function, Chief Minister O Ibobi stated that solution to every problem/issue lies in peaceful negotiation, not in violence.

Pointing out that India is a democratic country and is not ruled by the Army, Ibobi stated that the Government did not respond with military force to all the violent activities carried out in the course of demanding Sadar Hills district in the hope that the perpetrators would come to their senses one day.

Inauguration of the ADC complex and laying foundation stones for the four blocks were scheduled in November as per the MoU signed between the Government and the SHDDC but the event was delayed till today due to the Prime Minister's visit to the State and tight schedule of the Government.

The Government was in favour of laying foundation stones of the four blocks and the SDC office at their respective places but the SHDDC insisted on laying the foundation stones together at Kangpokpi.

Ibobi stated that necessary security personnel would be stationed in the security barrack of the new ADC complex.

He further announced that a new mini-sports complex would be constructed there.

MLA Thangminlen Kipgen appealed to the people and the Government not to assume that Sadar Hills people are very fond of bandhs and blockades.

He pledged that there would be no more bandhs and blockades once the 40 year old demand is fulfilled.

In his presidential speech, Revenue Minister Th Debendra stated that Sadar Hills would be declared as a full fledged district before Jiribam.