Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 28 2009:
Police today forced Wakat Meepham organised by MPP over the July 23 Khwairamband Bazar incident at Charangpat Mamang Leikai Lakshmi Bazar under Wangkhem Assembly Contituency in Thoubal district to wind up, drawing flaks from the party.
Denouncing the police action, MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang has charged the Congress led SPF Government with indulging in dictatorship.
Organised by Wangkhem Kendra MPP, the Wakat Meepham led jointly by present party president Dr Nimaichand Luwang and former party president Dr L Chandramani was attended by many party leaders and people of the area.
Addressing the peaceful gathering, Dr Chandramani was speaking about how the insurgency movement has come about and the law and order situation has deteriorated since the imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the State to control the movement, when a police team lead by OC of Thoubal District Police arrived and said that the Wakat Meepham could not be held without the permit of the Deputy Commissioner.
To this, some of the protestors suggested to put off the loud speakers.
Inspite of that Dr Chandramani went on to address the gathering saying that Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has misled the members of the House by reading out a wrong statement on the July 23 incident in the Assembly.
At this point of time, police used their loud speaker and requested the protestors to disperse as there is no permit from the Deputy Commission.
To this, Dr Chandramani who was still addressing the gathering demanded to know whether the restriction on using loud speaker or in staging the Wakat Meepham.
In response, the police pointed out that whole of Thoubal district is under section 144 of CrPC.
Since the Executive Magistrate was also present, 10 minutes for given for winding up protest session.
Subsequently, the loud speakers were switched off and the Wakat Meepham ended.
Later talking to mediapersons, party president Dr Nimaichand Luwang denounced the conduct of the police and said that putting restriction on use of loud speaker is akin to gagging the voice of the people by the existing Government and this has shown that there is no democracy in Manipur.
Alleging that the Ibobi led Government is indulging in dictatorship Dr Luwang also said that the leaflets distributed to discredit media houses by some people alleged with police escort was unacceptable and condemnable.
The MPP president further said that the it is not the Apunba Lup, but Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh who should be responsible for the opportunity of education lost by over 3 lakhs students in schools and colleges for over one month now.
For restoration of peace and normalcy in the State, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh should resign for post immediately, Dr Luwang demanded.