TNL president pointed out that the press note circulated by AK Jhalajit Singh (IPS) i/c Central Control Room was “totally wrong”.
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), while condemning the unfortunate incident in Kwakeithel where four Tangkhul girls were physically and mentally assaulted on May 24 by an unruly mob near Asian Hospital, Imphal, has vowed to settle the issue through prevailing customary law of the Tangkhul community. TNL had also rejected and condemned the press note dated May 24 issued by AK. Jhalajit Singh (IPS) i/c Central Control Room, 1st MR Banquet Hall, Manipur.
Speaking to the media, President of TNL, David K Shimray confirmed that the incident was true and pointed out that “circulation of press note issued by AK. Jhalajit Singh (IPS) is totally wrong”. “TNL would take up necessary actions against the officer AK. Jhalajit Singh (IPS) for circulating such press note and trying to cover up the whole incident. TNL has not entrusted or authorised any organisation to negotiate and settle the issue at hand”, he said.
David K Shimray said the parents of the victims were with him and asserted that any settlement should be through TNL and as per Tangkhul Customary Law and added that the organisation will not negotiate with any organisation except the culprits.
In this connection, the Tangkhul Welfare Society, Mumbai, had also issued a condemnation note and urged the concerned authority to look into the incident on priority and demanded for immediate arrest of the culprits and bring them to justice. Also, demanded that, AK. Jhalajit Singh should tender an official “apology press note” for circulating a cover-up letter.
It may be mentioned that AK Jhalajit Singh had issued a press note stating the incident as “It is absolutely false and there is no incident as such”, said the Tangkhul Welfare Society, Mumbai.
Tangkhul Katamnao Long Delhi, Tangkhul Katamnao Long Hyderabad, Tangkhul Naga Welfare Society Bengaluru, Tangkhul Katamnao Long Guwahati amd Tangkhul Katamnao Long Shillong has also issued a statement and has vehemently condemned the aggressive behavior of the culprits.
It may be mentioned that the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has tendered an unqualified apology to the Tangkhul community and the four innocent girls who were reportedly harassed by the unruly mob. On a similar note, the World Meetei Council had also strongly condemned the incident stating that these people are the ones who jeopardise the fate of the land and the people.
UNC condemns
Meanwhile, United Naga Council (UNC) has also vehemently condemns the “heinous crime committed” by the unruly mob to the four innocent girls.
While Naga Civil Society Organisations are constantly appealing for restoration of peace and normalcy in the state, worsening of law and order situation in Manipur in spite of the promulgation of 355 and frequent occurrence of arson, killing and harassment at sporadic places speaks volumes that the ‘Rule of Law’ is at a very low ebb, said UNC.
The oragnsiation further stated that the “ugly episode occurred in a broad day light” and went on to condemn “the ill-conceived motive of an organisation for dragging the name of the UNC in a press briefing aftermath the incident without the knowledge and consent of the Council”.