Imphal, November 11: Rejecting the charges of corruption levelled against ZEO Ukhrul by Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (Tangkhul Youth Council) as baseless and unfounded, student bodies of Ukhrul district have asserted that it is only a malicious campaign to replace the present ZEO by a man of its choice.

Speaking on behalf of various student bodies like Kathor Katamnao Long, Yang Raphei Katamnao Long, Zingthum Katamnao Long, Zingsho Katamnao Long and Sagolmang Area Naga Students' Association during a press conference in this connection at Manipur Press Club here yesterday, president of Hungpung Katamnao Long (Ukhrul Students' Union ) Godfreyson Zingkhai said 'we have no objection if the current ZEO is to be transferred from Ukhrul.

But the malicious campaign of TMNL to replace the ZEO by another person of their choice by hurling baseless charges is very unfortunate'.

Earlier, TKS had launched a similar campaign against the present ZEO John F Khabangbam, but the campaign was withdrawn soon after.

Now TMNL is acting like a busy body just for the sake of replacing the president ZEO by one A Hongba, who was a school headmaster, Godfreyson said.

He further said 'we are not speaking up for the person who is currently holding the post of ZEO, but understanding the pulse of the people.

It is upto the Govt to decide whether the ZEO should be transferred or not or be awarded some other actions, if he is found guilty.

But to level charges without being substantiated is ridiculous'.

As to the allegation of not executing the work on construction of the Block Research Centre at Kamjong in accordance to the laid down blue-print of SSA scheme, the ZEO has already forwarded a show cause notice to the work agency, the student leader informed.

However, as for the construction of toilets in all the schools of the district under the SSA scheme and supplying drinking water to the students, the task is no more under the purview of the ZEO and it has been taken over by the District Council, Godfreyson clarified.

In response to allegation of stalling the salary of two teachers, the student leader said it is due to pending of a case in the High Court apart from not releasing the fund.

As to the reduction in rice quota allotted under Mid Day Meal Scheme, it is due to decrease in student enrolment, the student leader asserted.

Keeping aside the question replacement of the present ZEO, student bodies would never allow appointment of A Hongba, the projected candidate of TMNL as the ZEO, HKL president stated firmly.

Decrying the alleged discriminatory attitude of the Govt towards the tribal people of the State, God-freyson cited sidelining of a senior IPS officer like N Peter from the post of DGP.

General secretary of Kathor Katamnao Long NC Riphung, who also address the press conference, said that the student bodies may be constraint to launch agitation in case the Govt fails to take up necessary measures for repairing the Old Ukhrul Road connecting Imphal and Ukhrul via Lumlangate at the earliest possible.

The said road has not been repaired by the Govt for the last many years, thereby leading to frequent landslide, Riphung lamented.

Comment