Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 16 2009:
Highlighting the tense and restless situation prevailing in the state in the aftermath of the July 23 twin killings, the JACs of Rabina Devi and Sanjit have appealed to the people not to organise musical extravaganzas or play dice on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba and Diwali.
Calling upon the people not to indulge in too much merry-making in the name of the two festivals, a joint statement issued by the two JACs appealed to the womenfolk to wear plain clothes instead of glamourous clothes and jewellery when going for Ningol Chakkouba as a mark of respect to the departed soul of Rabina.
It is unlikely that Ningol Chakkouba would be celebrated with the same fanfare as it was usually in Khurai Tinsid Road, the locality of late Sanjit this time.
It would sound awkward for the people to celebrate festivals and indulge in merry-making under the prevailing crutical situation.
Even if people wish to light candles and lamps on the occasion of Diwali, let the lights be offered to the departed souls of Rabina and Sanjit with a prayer to the Almighty so that killings give way to peace and security.
The JACs further appealed to the people to light up the night of Diwali by burning effigies of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, MLA Landhoni, DGP Y Joykumar, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Home Minister P Chidambaram and AICC president Sonia Gandhi.
Stating that the two JACs are aware of the hardships being endured by the people due to short-sightedness of the Government, they appealed to the people to bear with the hardships until the goals of the people's movement are achieved.
Even though the prevailing situation is not appropriate for any festival, the JACs would like to greet the people on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba for it is one rare festival which comes only once in a year and dearest to the people of Manipur, particularly to womenfolk.
"Let the gift for this Ningol Chakkouba be resignation of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi", it called.