Molestation case of actress comes up in Assembly; AR, police alerted
Order to round up Livingstone issued : Deputy CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 20 2012: Security forces have been instructed to launch search operation and round up Livingstone, self-styled Lt Col of NSCN (IM), said Deputy CM, Home Minister Gaikhangam, who also holds the Home portfolio, as the issue over alleged molest and assault of Manipuri film actress Momoco Khangembam by the senior cadre of the Naga rebel group figured prominently on the last day of the State Assembly today.

With Trinamool Congress legislature wing leader Dr I Ibohalbi and Congress MLAs RK anand and N Biren bringing up the issue during Zero Hour of house today, Gaikhangam explained that even though posers raised during Zero Hour do not necessitate response, taking into account public interest involved in the case, the stand of the Government needs to be highlighted.

Terming the assault of the actress as an unfortunate incident, the Home Minister stated that security force authorities have been instructed to form a combined team of Assam Rifles and Manipur police for launching search operation to nab Lt Col Livingstone Anal at the earliest.

Security force personnel stop the attempt the storm the house over the Dec 18 incident

Further informing the House that senior police officials have already been despatched to the spot of incident, he also affirmed that there is no question of leniency against crimes or perpetrators of criminal acts.

Taking serious of the fact that the audacious attack against a film personality was in full public view and involved cadre of an organisation currently engaged in peace talks with the Government of India, Gaikhangam disclosed that the incident has been discussed with representatives of Film Forum Manipur and Chandel MLA.

Maintaining that every related aspects of the incident is being discussed, the Deputy CM confided that initiating legal action against the event organisers or asking the latter to issue public apology is under consideration.

He also condemned that gunning down of a man at the end of the Orange Festival in Tamenglong district headquarters.

Earlier, Dr Ibohalbi vehemently condemning molest and assault of Momoco by Lt Col Livingstone insisted that Home Minister Gaikhangam initiate suitable action to punish the perpetrator of the criminal act.

Questioning intention of Livingstone Anal in committing the crime and alleged inaction by security force personnel present at the scene, he regretted that inspite of the fact that the assault amounted to violating ceasefire ground rule agreed with the Government of India the offender is not put behind bars.

Further posing whether the Government of Manipur would be able to initiate appropriate punitive action against Livingstone Anal, the Trinamool MLA suggested that State police revamp its organisation to justify its existence.

Dr Ibohalbi also opined that organisers of the musical event, during which the incident took place, should also face suitable action besides demanding a statement from the Government on the issue.

Ruling member RK Anand commenting on the issue pointed out that armed NSCN (IM) cadre(s) creating scenes at public places and randomly opening firing is a testimony that ceasefire ground rule is just a formality.

The Congress legislator demanded that Government of Manipur take all relevant measures to round up and punish the culprit.

Expressing similar sentiment, N Biren said the incident should be condemned by members of the State Assembly.